World War One Poetry Competition – Ages 11 to 14

Entries by children aged 11 to 14

I seriously aren’t feeling well, The battlefield a living hell. Every day I face death and pain, I don’t know how I’ve stayed sane. With guns and weapons all around, My feet start trembling on the ground. It seems there’s no such thing as a good day, And I cannot stand this sea of grey. There’s no-where to run or freely roam, But one thing keeps me going. I want to go home.

By Zunaira Afzaal, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

As we enter the battlefield, Staying brave and bold. As we enter the battlefield, With our stories remaining untold..

We enter with pride and honour, We'll win once and for all. With enter with pride and honour, We'll remain standing tall..

As we entered the battlefield, Determined to win. As we entered the battlefield, Fighting to remove our sins..

We left with pride and honour, Victorious once and for all. We left with pride and honour, Still standing tall.

Poppies For Blood – Edward Agombar, 12

Westgate School

Poppies for blood Today remember Trenches of mud A vast land of barbed wire .

Poppies for blood Swarming rats and lice The silence of death A family photo blurred by the rain.

Poppies for blood Poppies for blood Thousands upon thousands Dead We remember those that died for us

By Aisha Ali, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

Guns as dark as the night sky The lids over the threatened eyes As soon as I turned my back There were many people attacked.

World War One lasted four years There were many people who had fears Poppy day is a remembrance day.

This day had to come Where people started fighting Now I am here alive

The Dark Sky... – By Aneeq Ali, 12

Beckfoot School

The wind was howling, I was marching into battle, They were attacking, We couldn’t fight back..

“Fall back” instructed the commander, However, I disobeyed him, And ran for my friend, He was wounded..

Dodging the bullets, I lifted him up, Then came that moment, When a bullet pierced through my heart..

I disobeyed my commander, So he shot me! Listen to the commander or suffer the consequences.

Trench Foot – By Ayesha Ali, 13

Belle Vue Girls’ School

Bullets whizzing past my head My feet won’t move they are frozen stiff. Trench foot-blackened toes. Futile socks sent from home….. These feet have been used to walk, through the long grass swaying side to side It felt like heaven now I have trench feet. Disgusting as ever. Wrinkly and gangrene toes Sergeant coming towards me. Trying to put whale fat on my feet At first I felt embarrassed and awkward His stubbly fingers on my toes Felt great it was helping His thick stubby fingers all over me. The whale fat was of no use Once I was disgusted But now I think it was good Rats scuttle past my trench feet Tin cans rattle in the night We bayonet the vermin Hang them on lines with pride .

Destiny – By Humaira Ali, 13

Appleton Academy

Waiting for the bombs to blow At 11am the sun glows.

Soldiers fighting risking their lives Wishing that they would survive.

At Flanders field there they are Poppies radiant like a shining star.

The war ended in 1918 1936 was unforeseen

War Poem – Ehtisham Akbar, 11

Beckfoot School

The young soldiers who died in war Their wounds extremely raw The heroic heroes fought fiercely for our country on The blood covered battlefield A soldier masks his fear Marching forward for glory and freedom A silent tear trickles down his bruised bony cheek Although he died amongst thousands of comrades, deep in his heart he Feels isolated as he breathes his last breath.

The poppies are silent witnesses Unable to speak of the horror of war weeping silently Shedding tears of sorrow Unable to intervene.

His family feel angry with themselves for a moment or two Their hearts explode with misery They will miss his lovely laughter and silly smile but it’s all a memory now that Will linger in their heart and will haunt them for the rest of their days Knowing that he will never walk through their door again.

But for the young hero heaven awaits him Many years have passed since but I’ll always remembers the Bravery of those who taught future generations to sacrifice for others.

By Riyadh Akhtar, 13

Woodhouse Grove School

Waiting to hit the battlefield, Shaking and stuttering with fear, Legs shaking, hands sweating, Family already missing, BANG guns dropped, Bodies flopped, Breathing in smog, Bodies were left Families felt like it was theft. Fighting for survival By killing our rival Silent but deadly. Gas Gas. The voice was fluctuating. While the rest were fighting Life on the line Maybe it was a sign Where did all the youth and laughter go?

World War I – By Zainab Akhtar, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

Soldiers preparing for war, Women cooking and doing the chores. Family placing poppies on the grave of their fellow son, Jack. Fighters fighting to get their land back. This lasted 4 years until Germany gave France a big old sack..

Eight million killed, twenty million wounded, soldiers spent sixteen days on trench duty. Britain were jealous of Germany, this was because they became a vigorous country..

Daddy's gone to fight, Leaving me and Mummy nice and tight. I hope Daddy is alright, with all his might, I just want him back by tonight. .

Oh Daddy, you've left us, Despaired and scared. Me and mummy are at your grave, Leaving you poppies so we can remember this day.

In World War One – By Olivia Austin, 11

Thornton Primary School

Sauntering around no man’s land, Hearing the dreaded missiles bang. Guns firing, Solders dyeing. In dismal World War One..

Looking up at the night sky, I gaze at the stars as I lie. I hope for peace, For now at least. In dismal World War One.

WW1 Poem – By Sam Avison, 12

Appleton Academy

In 1915 World War One began, through the streets the innocent ran. Lying in the trenches was not very god. It got even worse when they saw blood. Planes dropped bombs all around, houses collapsed with a mighty sound. Fighting together hand in hand, the soldiers fought to save the land.

Unforgotten – By Uzma Azeem, 14

Zakaria Muslim Girls High School

Sorrow and grief Filled hearts of families, forgotten was any Happiness and pride.

Fear of death Clouded minds, gone was the Satisfaction for striving.

The pain of separation from home Became stronger than The will to stay and fight.

Fear of dying Overcame the Bravery for trying.

Fear surrounded the thoughts of soldiers It was no longer known that The battles were fought for honour.

For their death, countries became Worried, proud For the loss of citizens they weren’t.

Only months It has been since war ended and lives were lost, some aged A hundred years.

Guns, trenches, parasites and fever, All these infections get meaner and meaner!.

Maggots, lice, mosquitoes and leeches These trenches are foul!.

This war was hard work But we still won!

The Dying Soldier – By Sarah Babi, 13

Belle Vue Girls’ School

The sky darkens as the sound of a bomb goes off In the distance the sound of a faint cough ...From a dying soldier... He looks around to realise he is bound To the ground by his wounds He calls for help but instead Yelps in pain.

On the snowy ground beyond the trenches There’s a man in the ground He is a lone survivor The once soft white snow Was drenched red as he bled..

He longed to see his family again Who were slain He vowed vengeance for their Death but it all went in Vain.

The dying soldier closes his Eyes and let out his ...Final sigh....

In the hope to see his Family to be reunited With them And to never let each other Go ........Again........

By Thomas Bannon, 12

Appleton Academy

World War One It wasn’t fun There were deaths and some thefts Blood was spilt In the houses that were built They fought for survival Against their rifles When planes flew Bobs blew

WINNER

Johnny – By Bethia Barber, 14

Fairweather Green, Bradford

Take me to the field where Johnny stumbled, and fell – Take me to his body, though it rests in hell I’ll pay you my last farthing, and give you my last ration card; Johnny’s death strikes like a brittle ice shard. Don’t care about living; the Great War took him from me My pledge on his finger, as it always will be, They’re killers, all of them. Those khaki shirts Hide hearts as dark as bloody ink spurts. Black as my grief, and deep as the grey Of the forlorn morning light; what can I say? Is it real? – Or am I dreaming?

Johnny, my friend – my sweetheart, my lover – My husband, my conqueror – I never loved another. Your kingdom is fallen in ruins and ashes The king, he has fallen – The land is no more – The skies sound with weeping, and the darkness is seeping With loss and betrayal and a locked, closed door Through which I can venture – No! Never more.

But light is approaching beyond the wild storm Your memory is dearer than the sweetest wild rose My sorrow has mellowed, as life still endures And our daughter brings joy I never dreamt of before. On occasion we visit the memorial, which arose In the village, as stately as the old oak tree grows. But, Johnny, more precious than the poppies on your grave Is the image of your face in the life that you gave.

The Memories Of The Poppy – By Libby Barlow-Hall, 14

Silsden, Bradford

The wind blows softly through the blood red poppies That speak of long dead battles for power, Battles that stole lives from the conflicting world.

The red of the blooms forever reminding us Of the losses this earth felt In the first great conflict of this world.

Did the generals of that war ever wonder If they were ordering others into an empty carnage? While they sat in their command stations Throwing the lives of those they never met At the endless army of the enemy’s men.

If the time comes will we fight as willingly as they did? Marching to the end of our futures. Will we remember those young lives lost in the battle?

The memories of men may fail In the long years of our lives But the memories of the poppies shall never falter.

Why Does War Happen? – Alex Barrett, 11

Eldwick Primary School

It came so fast, But we saw it coming, No-man’s land so vast, It all ends in a bit of running.

Raheem’s WW1 Poem – By Raheem Bashir, 13

Priesthorpe School

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Goes the snipers and the rifles Our darling England should be protected With all our hearts! The bloods running down our bodies like Usain Bolt We must kill for her We must die for her She’s our loyal queen And we must saver her from these foreign invaders! The terrible, torturous, trench feet took over my feet I used to have 5 toes but now I have 2 only my middle ones my nails were black, my feet were rotting but I love England and no one can stop me from protecting her!!!!

The Poppy – Hollie Bawnsley, 14

Beckfoot School

The shields of blood covered the field, Darkness shrouded over lives. The sun did not let her rays smile. Nor the birds sing their sweet songs.

The sheds of blood covered the field, Hope lost at another man’s hand. No longer did laughter enclose their hearts, Emotion turned frosty, numb with hate.

The sheds of blood covered the field, Lives stolen by the hatred. Never could life begin again, The sun could never rejoice once more.

But now a new light covers the field, A new faith surrounds their souls. A single poppy blooms from the evil, A single poppy brings the new light.

And now love and life is reformed, A single poppy is worn to my chest.

It’s Time To Say Goodbye Now – By Elliah-Courtney Bayles, 14

Tong High School

It’s time to say goodbye now, As I wave my mother farewell. It’s time to say goodbye now, As I’m young and fit and all round swell.

It’s time to say goodbye now, Time to take the soldiers path. Take it with my brothers, Arrive there with a laugh.

It’s time to say goodbye now, As I enter what’s said a game. I want to be a winner, I want them all to know my name.

It’s time to say goodbye now, As over the trenches we go. Turning our backs to the war, our heads sunk low, As our stairway to heaven will finally show.

There is silence among poppies, no more noise No more war lest we forget those who fall.

Once this field was full of trenches with heroes All ready to fight with bayonets and shell shocked heads But nothing made them cower but now just Poppies grow with silence of victory..

Once this field was heart of destruction surrounded By gas with mothers and children choking to survive But death took its toll and now poppies Grow with silence of defeat..

Once this field had many soldiers all with Families but now only survivors stand in victory Or defeat walking among the silent poppies Remembering the fallen heroes..

Lest we forget the fallen,

By Adam Bentley, 12

Appleton Academy

Over the hills, And on the streets, War and attacks, Near whoever you meet..

Give them peace, Or even joy, Give the poor children, A small toy..

It’s time that we remember, 100 years ago, Battles across the land, The poppies go to show. .

How could we forget, The lives that it has lost, Shot, beaten, killed, The bodies that one lost..

In the world, still no peace, Wars are not fun, It’s good that we remember, World War One.

Life In World War One – By Sophie Bhatt, 11

Eldwick Primary School

I saw the blood, I saw the guns, I saw the bodies laying helplessly on the ground.

I heard the bombs, I heard the bullets, I heard the screams and shouts and cries.

I smelled the smoke, I smelled the fire, I smelled the burning of the rubbish and rubble.

I felt the fear, I felt the pain, I felt the hope of the people back home.

I touched the gun, I touched the ground, I touched the muddy grass that was all around.

By Asma Bibi, 14

Belle Vue Girls’ School

My poor feet-stuck in this stinking, flooded trench, So stiff and look absolutely disgusting to others, A parcel from home contains useless socks, I wear leather boots-futile. … My feet have been used to the English beaches. Where the water lapped gently over my feet, My feet were in heaven before… Now they feel like hell. Where once long grass sprang beneath my toes Now gangrene spreads and deathly wrinkles. The sergeant is coming towards me with the whale fat. I would have been embarrassed once But now I want all the cure in the world. His thick stubby fingers wrap between my gangrenous toes. But the whale fat is of no use. Perhaps my rotting painful feet are not the problem. But my whale body may not live to see the end of the war.

I Had To Go – By Iqra Bibi, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

From the day I wore that hat I knew what my duty had to be On the door I heard a rat-a-tat-tat And realised it was morning already.

I got dressed to look my best And filled up with glee There was no room for all the rest Because I knew what my duty had to be.

As I stepped out of the door I knew I had fears For when the war was started There was bloodshed and tears.

Now I hid behind a boulder And gave a slight sigh For then I needed a shoulder To cry and cry and cry.

In the green fields The poppies now glow As red as a soldier’s blood Who then had to go...

RUNNER-UP

We Stand Together, We Stand Alone! – By Issac Birdsall, 12

Woodhouse Grove School

We stand together, we stand alone, In the trenches damp and cold, People standing strong and bold, We will win this we get told, Just sit tight, work hard and behold.

We stand together, we stand alone, The gun’s ring out the people fall, Then we hear the “GAS, GAS” call, We grab the gas masks standing tall, Others don’t, others fall.

We stand together, we stand alone, The bombs explode all around, Rotting corpses on the ground, The soldiers out getting a pound, Will happiness ever be found?

We stand together, we stand alone, I run out clutching my gun, I thought this war was meant to be fun, Come on kill the Hun, Let’s end this, let’s get it won.

We stand together, we stand alone, I feel a pain, I know I’ve been hit, Bullet holes cover me bit by bit, Then there’s redness in my spit, I fall to the floor in a bloody pit.

I close my eyes with a tired groan, This is death! We stand together, we stand alone.

Only 10 Hours Ago – By Jack Bowman, 11

Eldwick Primary School

Only 10 hours ago men were dying but now we’re joyful on the football pitch. .

Only 10 hours ago men were shooting at each other but now we are shooting at the goal..

Only 10 hours to go we were throwing grenades but now we’re throwing a leather ball..

Only 10 hours ago our hearts were madly beating but now we’re beating the last defender..

Only 10 hours ago we were swapping clothes but now we’re swapping photos with our enemy..

Merry Christmas!

By Sophie Braithwaite, 13

Woodhouse Grove School

Unconscious, lying around like a dying fish, Almost camouflage from the mud. Yet some moaning in agony, Some even crawling, slithering like a slug, Amongst the crowd to be back in our haven. Suddenly, a violent shake, Wake up lad, you’re up, Then a ferocious Bang! Attack! Rushing, stumbling, falling I clutched my gun. Boom! Bang! If you could take a life, you would not want to remember. The guilt smothered my face, Frozen as ice, plastic as a doll, I glared into the fiery pit of death, Watching the devil take another soul.

Bang Bang – By Cheyney Louise Toni Brame, 11

Appleton Academy

Bang Bang the guns sang. To the soldiers in the trench It didn’t make much sense. Bang Bang was the song To the soldiers the war seemed so long Bang Bang was the sound. Over the top they were bound. Bang Bang all around Many of the soldiers never to be found. Bang Bang is the call. To never forget the soldiers who fought in the World War.

By James Brennan, 12

Appleton Academy

100 years have gone by since the last World War One Soldiers did die. Men were forced to fight and give it all there might. Bombs dropped, guns were shot, fallen heroes forget them not. Poppies grew where the fallen had died, now we buy them and wear them with pride.

Tommy Boy – By Shannon Briggs, 12

Appleton Academy

Back in the 14/18 war Tommy Boys scared of what they saw. Along with fighting, guns and mortar. Lack of food, clothes and water. Families sending cake and socks tied up neatly in a cardboard box. Mums and Dads and family too. Praying their heroes come home soon.

By Jodie Lauren Brown, 11

Appleton Academy

War is stupid, war is wrong. It only defeats the strong. War is distraught and sorrowful. Think of the people who died. What a loss. If you gain from others’ pain you are no longer sane. Why kill because of religion, can’t we all just live in peace? Think of that person’s family; their parents, siblings, niece! These people fight for us, to keep us safe and calm, They are brave people who do not deserve what they get. My heart splits in two when I imagine war; Imagine accepting you’re going to die and how distraught you must feel. War is bad. War is sad. Can’t we all live in peace, Hopefully in the future! R.I.P Soldiers, gone but never forgotten!

The Great War – By Jude Buchanan, 11

Thornton Primary School

Flames fire up from German grenades as we charge into the blazing battle field. My fellow soldiers fall to the ground at my left and right with me in the centre. I stumble through the sticky mud towards the barracks but suddenly I stopped and looked to my right to see a young boy. I recognised him, in fact we went to work in Prospect Mill before the war began. I yelled at him “stick with me and you’ll survive”. He started to trudge over when a bullet pierced his head, his body dropped. These soldiers’ deaths weren’t caused just by the forces of Germany but by high command sending us to the land of no body. Out of all the terrible sounds, the worst was “gas boys gas” because you’d be lucky to survive. But it was still terrible surviving because you’d see people drown in the green sea.

By James Cameron, 14

Woodhouse Grove School

The soldiers were being deceived by the silence Their senses became stronger and stronger The air tasted toxic like petrol The green sea felt warm and was shaking in their hands. The smell of the feat from their fellow soldiers. Sweat, blood and tears dripping down their pale faces. Gas! Gas! – They ran out of their trenches And fitted their innocent muscles on While some of them don’t make it and they watch their friends suffocate in the gas They can’t do anything about it They slowly fall apart It feels like slow motion Muscles are scared and won’t move Frozen Their image is now frozen in time As we remember They fought for her – our country

Why Does It Have To Be This Way? – By Devon Chan, 12

Beckfoot School

It has been horrible from this day. I could hear the dreadful screams, With my family killed I would never beam. Tears filled my eyes and my heart full of despair All this shooting and killing was UNBELIEVABLE So nobody seemed to care, I dipped my head and looked at the ground, I prayed, “Please lord, try to stop the war so I can turn my frown upside down!” Suddenly I was shot and blood ran out of my body surreptitiously, I fell down gasping for breath knowing that is the end of me…

The Sergeant’s Cry – By Holly Chappels, 10

Ryburn Valley High School

I heard a gunshot loud and clear. I felt a sudden streak of fear.

I listened for the Sergeant’s cry. Ready to fight and ready to die.

I ran across a piece of land. Suddenly I heard a bang.

A big explosion filled the sky, And then I saw the first man die.

He fell down like a ragged doll. I couldn’t help but watch him fall.

“Fall back! Fall back!” the sergeant cried. We ran so fast we could almost glide.

And then I felt a stab of pain. And in my leg I felt a flame.

I fell slowly to the ground, And I couldn’t hear a single sound.

And then a bugle began to play, To say that we had lost that day.

I closed my eyes as comrades fled. In their fear, they left me for dead.

This was the place where I would die. In a poppy field is where I lie.

By Joseph Childs, 11

Bradford Grammar School

They died that we might live That day they went to die, They died that we might live, Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, Then war was declared.

The central powers against the allies, Sixty five million fought, Twenty five countries took part, And sixteen million soldiers died.

The treaty of Versailles Ended the war in 1918, Oon the eleventh month, day and hour, Humiliated Germany.

Now the poppies grow, Red in the fields, That day they went to die, They died that we might live.

Remember Our Men – Amina Chowdhury, 12

Bradford Girls Grammar School

They risked their lives, So we could have ours, They left their wives, And didn’t cower. They saw their friends die, One by one, They heard the terrible cry, After the shoot of a gun. Now they’re all gone, Their worries healed, Their fighting hearts switching to off, not on, As they lie peacefully, in Flanders Field. Think of those men, And play your part, Every now and then, As they deserve a place in your heart.

The Poppies Of Pride – By Aneesa Chowdhury, 13

Bradford Girls’ Grammar School

Row by row we stand up tall, Waiting for the whistles to blow, As we here the first riffles go, We all wonder if our eternal sleep has come. When I pick up a poppy and watch it blow, I remember the deep red blood, That our heroes let go. 100 years on We wear our poppies with pride, Remembering the days when you gave up your lives. We wish you were here, To have an award bestowed upon. You’ll always be remembered, As the most heroic men we know.

By Chloe Christie 12

Appleton Academy

I work for you but, Now you hurt me, You take me for granted, You make me work all day, Every day, But when the time comes you gas me You tell me you’re going to bath me. I sweat you beat, You shout I bow, I do everything you say, But now you’re making me pay.

The Mystery Soldier – By Alfie Clacy-Cheung, 11

Birkenshaw C E Primary School

His name was David Smith, People knew him as an unknown myth. His clothes were cold and gritty, And his mum gave him such bad pity. A bit of bread he was fed, Plus he didn’t even have a bed. When he woke up it was grim, gritty and gruesome, He only wants to see his twosome. He couldn’t even write because he had no led, Because he didn’t want to be shot he wore a helmet on his head. Even though he got shot, He never wanted a lot. Now don’t forget, Those soldiers fought for us and now they’re dead.

My Lost Brothers – By Emily Clark-Matthews, 11

Beckfoot School

Oh why him oh why, why? All those BOOMS, BANGS and screams! Mud, thick with ticks and flees within, He went to war at 18 and comes home… Well never! His life taken, his carcass in the ground. He fought against his enemies. But the silhouettes of his enemies were the ones who shot him down! He fought for his country’s freedom, And did his country proud.

WW1 Poem – Amber Collins, 12

Appleton Academy

World War 1 was the First World War. The world wanted to know what they were fighting for. Protests were started to stop the fighting The army always knew to run like lightening. Countries and cities all over the world. Weapons and bombs fired all over the place. When the soldiers pass, you would remember their face. But world war one starred all over the world How do you stop it? Well, may the best countries win. It lasted for a long time. But they would climb, climb, climb till they got to the top, they never quit till the world war stopped. World War 1 was a time to think.

Hope – By Millie Mae Cook, 11

,

Beckfoot School

Lying here in the darkness, Gunshots going off, Worrying for the future, And of times forgotten of. There is a ray of light, Tiny, fragile, but bright. Hope will save us all, It will not let us fall. Standing together, we unite, For we are soldiers, And we will fight for what is right. Praying that one day, I will be remembered. By a life I am saving. The changes I am making. Lying hear in the darkness, Gun-shots going off But I don’t worry for the future, Or time forgotten of.

Ghost – By Sian Cook, 14

Beckfoot School

I can hear the sound, The sound of silent screams. I always seem to hear them, In my never-ending dreams..

I had fought on the frontline With my friends by my side. But now I sleep alone, The stars no longer shine..

You see, I hear more now, I hear the cries and the distraught. I now can see I’m not the only one who fought..

Loss, pain, anger, don’t they do the same thing? Destruction is the virus that makes the enemy sing..

I may not be here, But it doesn’t mean I can’t see. The way you run with fear in your eyes. Maybe soon you will be with me.

Edward Cooke, 14

Titus Salt School

Imagine a world where the sky is on fireAnd worldwide the death rates creep higher and higher Imagine your best friend snatched from their bedWith no news, you’d have to assume they are deadAnd what if I told you such sorrow and moreWas for many the outcome of losing a war?

Men in the past whom on battlefields fellCarried our lives and futures as wellEven right now soldiers could dieSaving, protecting our futures, our livesThat’s why remembering them is a mustThe thousands of lives every year in AugustOr else, we’ll fall into such worlds of regret
Remember their sacrifice: Lest We Forget.

By Jack Craven

Appleton Academy

Worst and biggest war in history! Only 40 people are alive today. Roughly 9.7 billion people died during WW1 Lots and lots of deaths per second! During WW1 kids had to be evacuated..

WW1 was shockingly bad! All we want is world peace! Ridiculous amount of deaths occurred everyday!.

1 time only!

World War One – By Paris Crookes, 11

St Lukes C of E Primary School

In no man’s land the poppies grow, In wretches trenches soldiers sleep, How miserable they are, Dreaming of their families far away, And of the gravestones row by row. Bold and fearless soldiers, Weeping, bleeding, crying, Weeping for their loved ones, While drifting off to sleep, Their dreams filled with hope. World War One the Great War, Fighting, battling and some more. We remember up to this day. We have remembered all the way.

World War 1 – By Joe Cross, 12

Immanuel College

Crouched in trenches with little food stocked, Are men all terrified and shocked, Though bullets may fly, And men may die, This wretched war will not be stopped.

Through boggy fields, mud and wire, With explosions, shrapnel and fire, Though people may fight, Or cower in fright, The raging fire grows ever higher.

Now the corporal is asleep in bed, And resting his wounded head, But outside it is night, And men still fight, Whilst the enemy advance ahead.

At last the morning is near, And the enemy is nearly here, More people will die, More families will cry, And the falling shells inflict more fear.

Lay wounded in fields with no food stocked, Are men dying and shocked, Though bullets may fly, And men may die, This wretched war will not be stopped.

World War One –By Holly Crossley, 11

Tong High School

World War One has Begun all them Bombs and all them Guns..

Bang Bang, Boom Boom All those friends lost All that gloom..

Men and women Brave and strong..

All that fear but For how long?.

Time goes by day By day..

People thinking is This the right Way?.

1918 the day people Laugh, the day people Scream..

World War One is Over hip hip hurray Time to relax time to Play.

Ode To A Wounded Cathedral – By Alexander Davies, 11

Bradford Grammar School

My pipes are leaking, There is flowing blood. My ribs are broken, But for them it was not enough. My little angels can no longer smile, They can only keep living for a little while. I’m the only one left, I’m wounded but alive, Nothing remains of me but stone walls. I have narrowly escaped with my life, But I’m in so much pain. I wish I could die.

The Spitfire – By Christopher Davison, 12

Beckfoot School

It was the day, I slowly jumped into my plane, It roared like a dragon in pain, I thought in my head would this be my lucky day or would I die? Soon I was touching God’s face, Give me rum and a cigar, Let me die in peace, It’s time I say goodbye to the world.

By Georgia Delaney

Appleton Academy

World War 1 affected so many lives Horses, children, parents husbands and wives So much terror for those who served. A death that no human being should ever have deserved. .

They fought in the lonely desert of dirt not showing how much they really hurt..

Their lives were very strict. What happened next, they could never predict..

They did just what they had to do to keep our country free, They fought for all not just you and me..

If you’re lucky you come back to receive a medal and a plaque but in their mind memories stay so clear and they may wake at night feeling so much fear.

By Mia Dimbleby, 12

Appleton Academy

WW1 started 1914-1918. On 30/8/1917 my grandma’s granddad died. Regiment of his war (Prince of Wales own). Love he had for his country. Determination to succeed..

Wet weather made it difficult for the army. Armies of men were based in the trenches. Rich and poor fought together..

One hundred years ago this began. Never again should this happen. Ending with no one winning.

Reassurance – By Ellie Dobson, 13

Hanson Academy

The bombing and banging of no man’s land, Screeching and screaming of rifles, The touch or a squeeze of a man’s hand, Reassures me. The deep breath of a soldier, To the squelch of mud, As the temperature gets colder, Reassures me. The reassurance is better. Than being alone, In the silence of war, And the noise of an empty trench. Lest We Forget

Fighting For Freedom – Georgia Dodd, 11

Dixons Mcmillan Academy

On the tragic day of August 4th 1914 war was declared on Germany The soldiers were sent and soon the war began One that would change lives forever The soldiers troughed their way through the mud of Flanders fields People dying all around Their loves ones praying at home for at least one sign of hope Gun shots ripple through the air killing people, soldiers everywhere Bullets tearing through blood and flesh Killing the innocent, the ones who did their best Then silence strikes all around Leaving only dead and the poppies left on Flanders field Lest we forget those heroes from World War One who saved lives but risked their own!

Not Even A Little Thrill! – By Emer Donnelly, 12

St Mary’s School

You were so proud, With your head up in the white clouds, But you find there’s no fun, When you’re holding a working gun. The clouds turn black in the falling sky, As so many brave people die, As you curse the dam war, The guns shoot even more. You think of what the world could have been, You wish that they had seen, That there’s not even a little thrill. When all you do is kill. War doesn’t bring fame, When so many people are in pain. Grieving about who has gone, And cursing you of things you’ve done. But we’re not grieving alone, They all wish that they had known, That solutions don’t come, When children are losing their mum. And you blow out your candles one by one. And you remember the things history has done, And you remember the things you’ve been told. About what a world war can hold. And to this day we remember, That day in November, Of all the lives we couldn’t save, And praise them who are now in a grave.

At War! – By Oliver Donnelly, 11

Beckfoot School

Why him? When is he coming home? Is he coming home? I can picture him lying in the trenches, I can feel the pain he is going through, I can smell the murky smoke overlapping his feet, I can hear the gun shots booming out of deadly machines..

Is he injured? Is he alive? Is he dead? I don’t know, Does anyone know? Now I’m just waiting for that telegram.

Thinking – By Poppy Dopson, 11

Roberttown Junior & Infant School

A sombre soldier, praying silently; Thinking... just thinking. The poppies are singing as softly as a choir, Swaying in the gentle breeze. The soldier is crying about the thought of the past and now the present. He is drowning in a flood of sadness. The dark grave is a gateway to heaven, The cross is just standing there as frozen as ice!

WW1 Hero – By Harriet Driver, 11

Roberttown Junior & Infant School

The crying gentleman Is like a lake of tears The loud gun shoots Bang!.

The acrid smoke Gently flows The thinking man Peacefully respects..

The sorrowful grieving man Strongly concentrates On his friend..

The inflamed poppies Billow in the breeze The tangled man miserably Cries..

His disconnected heart, drowns with loneliness

WW1 Remembrance – By Angel Dudek, 12

Beckfoot School

Poppies grow for the ones that fought Orders become louder, it scares, but still no return. People suffered, and risked their lives for us. People fight for us, but how can we return. Impossible to survive please respect. Endless fights war goes on Silent at Christmas at least a day of joy.

WW1 – By Ella Dunworth, 11

Shirley Manor Primary Academy

It’s getting closer – not long now. There’ll be no-one left to take a bow. I love my family; they love me too- Death is coming but every day is new. I am your enemy, you are mine too. You try to kill me, I’ll try to kill you.

World War 1 Poem! – Jenna Duffy, 11

Appleton Academy

The 28th of July 1914 a day nobody will ever forget. As we all heard the news, we sat silent and stunned. Then the day came that people had to say ‘bye’ to their loved ones. The bombs banged and the gunshots were near. This was our biggest FEAR! No food to be had and we were all so very sad. The days were long and hard but we just played in our yards. Everyday I would run to the door, deep down inside, I knew the score. The 10th November, I remember a lot that was the day my father was shot. 30 years have passed feeling bitter and sad, all I wanted was to say ‘goodbye’ to my Dad. Hurray for the soldiers with a smile on their face and a wave of the flag as the trucks drove past..

The rest were home at last.

By Eve, 11

Appleton Academy

Boom, Bang, Crack, As the bombs crashed against the ground, Scream, whine, scream, The children cried, As the blackout went on for days. WAIT!! Not days, not weeks, YEARS! Rush, run, rush, As parents, children, grandparents ran to the bomb shelters, Sniffle, cry, whimper, Unfortunately the day came, The ay was for the children to leave their homes and go to the countryside. Chug, chug, chug, As the children went on the train. Yes, yippee, woohoo The war was over, The celebrations began, Welcoming the soldiers home, Don’t forget, Also the children home, Soldiers and children were both home safely, Although unfortunately some passed away. So everyone out there in the world just take one moment at home and remember these amazing people.

By Saabiyah Faisal, 12

Appleton Academy

Out on the battlefield.

Out on the battlefield is where the brave passed away. Out on the battlefield is where the injured would lay. The houses in Britain were being demolished. While the enemy’s house was clean and polished. The families of the soldiers were sad to see them go. It would leave them feeling very low. When the country was at war they had to ration and not be greedy. At that current time everyone would be needy. Out on the battlefield is where the poppies would grow red and pretty. Out on the battlefield is where we would go support the families and not to make them feel bad by giving them pity.

The War Of The World – By Falak Farooq, 13

Belle Vue Girls’ School

Air raid shelters, damp and black, Bombs exploding, back to back, Children crying, parents too, “Down to the cellar, I’ll come with you,” Evacuating train after train, Forgetting everything, running in the rain, Going to live in a new strange place, Hoping to see a friendly face..

In the city parents wait, Just to hear their children’s fate, Knowing that they might survive, Leaves them thankful when they arrive, Mourning ‘till they breathe their last, No food, the water is running out fast, Only worrying about family and friends, Parents trying to make amends, Quietly running from town to town, Running, marching, in their gown, Sirens screeching, chaos calls, Thunderous noises as buildings fall, Underground shelters are almost fitted, Violently children and adults are killed, Western front was what it was about, X-rays needed, bones coming out..

Yesterday for now is gone, Zeal for life, peace lives on.

During War! – By Ruqaya Farooq, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

Soldiers preparing for war, All the news has spread, The weather is horrible and raw, News spreads quickly as I put jam on bread,.

I can’t believe war is here, Cries of children day by day, I feel as if war is near, Can’t describe don’t know what to say,.

Bombs Blasting Bombs Blasting, Not many lives lasting.

World War 1 – By Elysia Faye, 12

Beckfoot School

Watching all the bodies rot Listening to the final shot, Falling straight to the ground Hearing just one last sound, Leaving my body in a split second Glaring the sky as it beckoned, Flying up into the sky This will be my last goodbye, Waiting there for you to come Is like trying to count everyone. Every day and every night When you feel the need to hold me tight, Just blow a kiss into the sky For I will be that close by, In the heavens throughout the day I watch over you and hear you pray, I see you smile and shed a tear For you know I am still near, But at least you know now I am safe In heaven which is a happier place.

World War 1 – By Jaweria Fiaz, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

It all began in 1984 when many men Left to fight the bloody war. Marching to the fields were poppies grow There they are stood all in a row. Run run over there blood blood everywhere Death death is in the air. As they fell close to death deeply Breathing their last breath. Until this day we thank those men Who fought for their country and their Families may they all rest in peace.

Firing Line – By Megan Fisher, 11

Hanson Academy

Standing in the firing line, Aiming at my friend who sheds tears, Only five other gunmen this time, Most of his friends have been gone for years.

On goes the blindfold – we know the time is near, We don’t know which guns are loaded and he has no idea, His best friend – me – with a rifle that could be loaded.

About turn! Quick march! We follow orders neatly, Most unfairly caught for desertion, He has shell shock – but General says he’s guilty.

Aim! Fire! My finger pulls the trigger, I know now it’s mine And as the bullet flies I say my last goodbye.

A World War One Poem – By Hollie Louise Frost, 11

Hanson Academy

The soldiers marched to the beat of the drum, Little did they know what they had to come. Families hoped their loved ones would soon return home, But the soldiers were feeling sad and alone..

Men and horses losing sweat and blood, Some even dying, in the dangerous deadly mud. Bravely they fought their war, Hoping to return safe at their door..

That’s why poppies are grown, in memory of all The soldiers who didn’t come home..

In memory of my great-great-grandfather, John Harris Swann, he died on the first morning of The Battle of the Somme. His body was never found. He left a wife and four young children.

Don’t Want To Be Here – By Abigail Furniss, 11

Roberttown Junior & Infant School

Distraught Thinking intently, as he slowly Walks away. Distraught Distraught Distraught Fighting in the background... That is what he is used to. BANG! A bomb has exploded In the background Distraught Thinking thoughtfully As the time he has got remaining In his life, is running out. Distraught The claret poppies are swaying At the same time representing The death of everybody who is dead. The grass is as dull and as grey As the jet-black sky at night. Distraught Slowly, slowly the soldier Who has given up his life to help us, Dies every second. Soon he will be gone. Gone forever to join everybody Else who has died. Or is he. Distraught I don’t want to be there DistraughtIn memory of my great great granddad, Gilbert Hartley who fought in and survived WW1 and then unveiled the war memorial statue in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire in 1922..

By Hafsah Ghafoor, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

The fighters fought and fought The wind blew loud and loud The air whistled and whistled The dust blew and blew Until their last breath Held for silence!!! The fighters fell to the Ground as the last word They heard was bang! Bang! This was the sound of The bomb that hit them!

World War Warriors – By Poppy Jane Gornall, 11

Thornton Primary School

Bradford boys feeling brave, Not going to be all that safe. Leaving behind all their love. Will not get anymore hugs Now we stand over their grave..

Defensive positions ready to shoot. You never know it could be you. Defeating enemies losing your friends, It feels like it never ends..

Blasting bombs come crashing down, Sounds like a pack of horrid hounds. Mustard gas is absolutely vile, It has killed many men.

In Flanders Fields – Ellie Glossop, 12

Woodhouse Grove School

In Flanders fields the poppies blow, Beside the crosses, row on row. I remember when we fought the Hun, It wasn’t a game, it wasn’t fun..

The bullet once meant for me Hit poor old Tommy instead, He saved my life, and yes, I’m free But poor old Tommy’s dead..

I had no one to return to, But Tommy had many kin, The news I broke turned his wife’s face blue My heart is filled with guilty… and sin….

By Harry Green, 13

As the soldiers waited patiently. The dirty smell permeated the air. As the rats scurried around their legs. All they were thinking was that trench life is awful. Damp, silent, muddy and smelly. The stench was overwhelming. As everyone was at a standstill, you hear a pin drop while we waited. I hear a gun in the distance. Suddenly, I look up Above the trench walls. The only thing I seem to see is a coloured green gas it was getting closer. I shout out, Gas! Gas! Everyone run!” As we lower ourselves to the ground, We collect our masks. But this didn’t help. We were too late. There was no-one left. I started to become worried. It felt like all my men had abandoned me Gone forever, But forgotten never.

By Jessica Greenaway

Beckfoot School

Personal damage to the soldiers, Obvious serious causes of death, Panic attacks can happen, Poppies relate to the WW1, You only live once in your life.

Upon The Blood Soaked Fields – By Matthew Griffiths, 14

South Craven School

Upon the blood soaked fields, men found hell waiting Waiting for them to slowly plunge into the abyss Where death would reach out to claim their blooded bodies

Men who thought they would find glory in the midst of battle Were scythed down by the steady chatter of the machine gun A cloud of yellow mustard gas eerily floated over the corpse strewn battlefield

A lone daisy stood in the midst of this hell Struggling for survival in the swamp of blood and mud Life not being any use or joy to it any more

Suddenly, as a knife slices through butter, a shrill whistle split the silence The soldiers, rising from their stupors clumsily fumbled with their weapons And clambered over the trench, and into no man’s land beyond

All aches and pains were forgotten As they were awakened from their previous state of drowsiness by the sudden explosions of fire and bullets that seemed to engulf these poor men

Guns chattered and blazed like a thousand angry voices Each one predicting the death of a soldier As these brave men were unceremoniously wiped from the face of our earth

The few survivors of the initial attack fell onto the enemy lines, A couple becoming entangled within the maze of razor sharp barbed wire, Where they were picked off by short bursts from an unseen rifle

Undeterred, the brave group of souls pressed on, One solitary Hun was unlucky enough to have the top of his head above the parapet, A British bullet made a permanent home in his skull

If you found the same spot today It is pretty and unblemished by the corpses and blood of thousands of innocent men Each poppy there represents the everlasting soul of every brave soldier Who will be remembered forever Where we thank them for their courage and sacrifice, that we may be free and British today.

These Men – By Henna Habeeb, 14

Bradford Girls Grammar School

These men fought for king and country, When the king and country was not theirs, These men fought on the front line, These men fought in the trenches, These men are unlike British soldiers, These men are heroes in many ways, These men saved so many lives, When the lives weren’t theirs to save, But who are these men you speak of? And what makes them so brave? How are they better than our British soldiers? When the lives weren’t even theirs to save, These men came from faraway lands, From places you haven’t even heard of, These men are true heroes, But no one has even heard of them, These men are the Muslim Tommies, And their names shall never be forgotten, May they rest in peace, And be remembered as heroes, As, the Muslim Tommies.

The Brave Soldier – By Blake Haggas, 11

Appleton Academy

He walked with all the soldiers not to be alone, He gave his heart and soul, To make sure you would all come home, Sometimes it was not meant to be, But all the men stayed strong, And all of you stayed positive, And said let’s be strong, Sometimes it was gloomy, Sometimes it was fine, But that brave soldier, Fought all the time, He made friends with lots, And lost a lot too, But he was that brave soldier, Who died for me and you.

World War One Poem – By Lucy Haggas, 11

Appleton Academy

The city stood still in a silhouette of silence, as Britain was declared at war. Our soldiers sent to far away shores They trudged through trenches in the dark shadows of night. Their hearts thumping with fear, praying to survive another day. Ear piercing sirens echoed, screaming civilians running to the safety of a shelter. A mother’s cry never far away, as evacuees fled to a safer haven. Black clouds they covered the sky like a blanket, smoldering, brewing up like a storm. But least we never forget, that the sacrificed themselves for us. The beautiful red poppies so bright and strong, remind us our heroes As peace was finally alas.

My Brother – By Taylor Hammond, 11

Thornton Primary School

Death struck again, I saw him fall, A brave soldier he was to all, A true hero, He risked his life for all his men, He shot the people who killed his friends, Down they went, one after another, He was just like a brother, My brother...

By James Hanson, 13

Woodhouse Grove School

The soldiers are waiting in the trenches remembering There past with a terrifying look, With their bodies still as if medusa caught up with them. With the smell of rotting flesh in the air. Run, run, with a terrifying yell and then they saw the green death breath, they hurried and put on the climbing helmets. They climbed over the trench wall with bullets whizzing past their heads and shouting bullets came from there gun while the bullets ran through the air. When they won the war They looked like war beggars with wobbly thighs of the war, They saw the scarring images of the war and they could not handle it any more.

Remember Our Heroes – By Abbey Lily Harris, 11

Thornton Primary School

Friends are lost, now lying in the fields, giving love and shedding tears, Now if you are standing beside their grave, there is nothing to fear, they will always be brave!.

Soldiers fight day and night, some attacks are wrong, some are right. Guns are fired, bullets are released, friends are killed and there are wishes for peace. War is torture, war is bad and most of the time war is sad..

In the fields, gravestones glow, the wind howls and leaves begin to blow. Poppies growing everywhere, time to love and time to care. Heads are bowed and prayers are said!

By Patrick Hartley, 11

Beckfoot School

Battling from day to dawn Through the night sky, so torn. Armed and ready on the thick muddy ground, Waiting to shoot at the enemy’s crowd. All of my family and friends have gone, Some are dead, some are bombed. The night sky storm tearing us apart, Like a starry dagger straight through my heart. The gunshots rain all through the night. Waking us up with a terrible fright Hopefully the war won’t reign much more, The pain, the hurt, the bombs… The war.

By Amber Hebditch, 13

Woodhouse Grove School

Waiting quietly to be called, I watched him – stared at his blank face. A young boy trying to escape inside. But the cold won’t let him. He sees all suffering, he hears plain sight. The boy’s hands are frozen, His feet are in inches of ice. Feeling empty inside, For his loved ones, each day becomes harder. Even with so many things to complain about, His mind stays shut.

Suddenly everything stopped, There was a small colour in the distance, Someone shouted Gas!!! We all ran to our masks, Struggled to put it on. Some of us didn’t make it. They gasped for air. Reached towards him. He panicked inside, frozen in time. He stood asleep. The mask was taken off of him, I saw him slowly dying. A young boy’s life wasted, gone. Nothing I could do. That fourteen year old boy, dead. Just lying there.

By Jennifer Hoang, 12

Heckmondwike Grammar School

As the poverty lessened, Britain thought she was free, But when her friends were threatened, She sent her men across the sea.

Many volunteered to fight for her; 'We'll sacrifice all we own!' And the beautiful white cliffs of Dover Were the last they saw of home.

Within hours they were on French soil, With their rifles in their hands; Used horsepower due to a shortage of oil, Followed all of their commands.

The war lasted longer than expected, A few years, not a few weeks. By rats the trenches were infested, Along with gases, the latest techniques.

But Britain encourages them as she can; She says: 'to be able to stick to a plan Makes you an honoured British man, not someone who merely ran.'

As there was now a submarine fleet, She sent more men across the sea, For she would rather die on her feet, As opposed to live on her knees.

So now, everyone, spare them a thought, Honour them with the poppies that had grown On the very battlefields that they fought, And for leaving behind their home.

RUNNER-UP

Optimism – By Amy Hobbs, 14

Beckfoot School

When you stumble into no-man’s land trembling, With your gun in hand it’s terrible, I will not lie knowing, Realising that you could die

But there is a weapon in this war To combat the horror, The blood and the gore What is this weapon? What is it you ask? Better than guns and bombs and gas

Optimism, we stay and fight Optimism, it’ll come out right Optimism, though the war is vile Optimism, think positive and smile.

By Jack Hodder, 11

Eldwick Primary School

“Come on lads” the day is here, Now it’s time to step up a gear, The scramble over the mud, Horrified men drenched in blood, The screams of death pounding in my ear, There it was I felt a tear,.

Bang! Bang! Could we get through the pain, Just to go through this again, Boom! A bomb dropped now it was a misty gloom, Would I fall to my doom? I shut my eyes hoping it was a dream, But that was the last thing it seemed.

RUNNER-UP

Horrors Of Home – By Toby Holden, 11

Bingley, Bradford

Feelings were running high in the Barrow household. Mr Barrow was on his waY to war. His children were so tearful and sad they didn’t want to see him go. So in the hallway was Mrs Barrow loving her husband. Hugging and kissing him. She was anxiously waving goodbye when the tears came flooding out. Who knew what would happen over the coming months?

Mrs Barrow couldn’t focus on anything. She was thinking and reflecting on all the great times they’d had before the war. She cried a lot and as for the children they hardly spoke always worrying of what might happen. They were just waiting and hoping he will walk through the door. The family tried to believe but they fear and fret about their loved one. Months pass with no knowledge of what is happening in the war. Times are very misty for the Barrows.

One day “Knock Knock.” Who lurks behind the door. Mrs Barrow walks to the door slowly and nervously every bone in her body shaking. At the door is the shy postman with a telegram. Mrs Barrow takes the telegram the letter fearing of the outcome. She reads the letter worryingly. And then shouts and screams… HE’S COMING HOME

But The War Goes On – By Bethan Jean Holmes, 11

Thornton Primary School

Powerful Dashing Storm Blue Miserable, But still the war goes on. Cold Exhausted Lonely Sand bags Rats, But still the war goes on. Lice Living in fear Mud Determined Fearful, But still the war goes on. Scared Shocking Moody Nervous Down in the dumps, But still the war goes on.

We Will Remember – By Daniel Riley Housecroft, 11

Birkenshaw C E Primary School

One terrible war. Full of dangerous missions. And terrible gore..

Many soldiers fought. Many soldiers died. No bodies returned. So many families cried..

There will be a day when war comes again People will laugh people will cry. People way say “hello” and “goodbye.”.

We will visit the tomb of our unknown warrior. A boy a hero and a lion hearted soldier.

In the Flanders field the poppies blow between the crosses row on row, Dark clouds are hovering like dark black shadows, As they’re waiting to see the soil calm another victim, The soil awaits its victim waiting unsettled and still, For here in this yard of graves lay the bodies of the brave and mighty, Those who fought and gave their life for their countries, Soldiers who left their families to fight against enemies, Guns in hands of innocent men who thought their lives and bravery was for others to stay safe, are now no more but bones and skeleton, buried within the ground we walk on. Now just a memory.

The Real Killer – By Madhiya Hussain, 14

Belle Vue Girls’ School

You did not tell them the horror of death, No warning of haunting dreams or restless nights, Lost voices pleading as they turn off the lights; “Do not kill me; my wife, my mother, my children, I cannot leave them all behind.”

You trained them to kill, “Kill or die” it was an order that they had to fulfil, they had to kill the enemy, the ‘bad guy.’

Their gentle features, their tired eyes, They committed no crime but they paid the price, The agonized cries, the paralysing fear, This, they were all forced to hear.

They’ll never experience horror like that again, And some of them will stay forever young, forever Handsome and forever strong, As they are the boys who never got the chance to become men.

They’re the ones who cannot be forgotten. They all left their marks; A big burn left for us to light. We can never forget their courage and how they fought with all their might.

What Should Be remembered? – By Maria Hussain, 14

Belle Vue Girls’ School

A war to end all wars, Why should it be remembered? Because soldiers suffered, Some fought, others surrendered..

One way or another, Misery was inflicted, Some lost the war, some lost a brother, All because people’s views contradicted..

We should commemorate the families, who suffered the shock, Who now can’t turn back the clock, To save their dead son, Who only joined the army to have some fun..

Poppies grow, but what do they show? The remembrance of the soldiers, Who gave up their lives, Killed by either machine guns or knives..

Why should the Great War be remembered? In respect of the soldiers killed and surrendered, To remember the soldiers who stared, To make sure our problems were halved, To commemorate the brave, And thank them for the future they gave.

Trenches – By Mevish Hussain, 13

Belle Vue Girls’ School

Grouping along the cold, dark trench through the mud Getting wet So tired and restless everything such a mess The surviving soldiers are strong and brave But they can’t forget the surrounding sounds of bombs and grenades They stop to think why they are here Then they realise They are here to save their families And most importantly their own Country!!

Why Did We Come To War? – By Lily Hyde, 11

Eldwick Primary School

Down below we are safer all around, Up above there are guns that are found. We are deeply in the oozing mud, But over the top we would be covered in blood..

We all think it’s going to be fun, Then we hear the sound of a gun. I do not like all the gore, Why did we even come to war?

The Heart Of The Bravest Soldier – By Funmi Idowu, 13

Carr Manor Community School

The heart of the bravest soldier, Holds the loudest beat, He watches over us, Though no feeling in his feet, He carried all the men, Who got left behind, The sound of bullets, Piercing in his mind.

The heart of the bravest soldier, Never faces defeat, He served his country well, His body screaming retreat. So when the bravest soldier, Takes his last breath, He awaits the endless paradise, That comes along with death.

Over The Top – By Ted Illingworth, 11

Eldwick Primary School

A trembling fear coursed my veins, Pools of blood as big as lakes, Men fell as quick as rain, As I emerged over the top.

I felt like death was calling me, Slowly taking my youth away, I gave everything I had that day, As I emerged over the top.

An agonising pain struck my chest, Bright lights started to fade away, I fell to the ground, like a shell, I died . . . As I emerged over the top.

By Hadiyah Ilyas, 14

Bradford Girls Grammar

Among the withering trees, through the bloody grass, a little boy sits, motherless.

Within an old room, sadly yellow stained, a dying woman lays in her pain.

Through the fields, bludgeoned with red, a man left standing, alone and dead.

Sighing happily in desperate sorrow lying to the eyes, telling them that we shall see tomorrow.

Will you stop smiling, at that poor soul’s face? Will you stop loving, when there is no love to trace? Will you stop looking, searching for a weed? Will you stop giving, setting free salves not freed?

Remember The War, And Them – By Sannah Iqbal, 14

Belle Vue Girls’ School

They agreed to go, for us They agreed to fight, for us They agreed to win, for us We should remember the war, and them.

They didn’t know their destination, but go in trucks and left, for us They lived in overcrowded filthy trenches, for us They lived with limited food, and disease, for us We should remember the war, and them.

They fought for their country, and us They saw their mates die before their eyes, but carried on fighting, for us They died for their country, and us The least we can do is remember the war, and them.

By Shahrbano Iqbal, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

A great war with no end, A straight path without a bend, Or so they all thought, As they remembered those who fought..

The crackle of gunfire above their heads, Wondering if they would return to their beds, As they stand there in grubby khaki, The officers yelling and being snarky. .

But, Glory blinds them from true fear, They know if they don't people will jeer, which is why they are found, As corpses piled high, on the ground..

Mothers' eyes flood with tears, Looking for lost sons amongst their peers, But many lay silent out there, Not knowing the pain of those who care.

By Ian Ismay, 13

Priesthorpe School

She must be protected, saved, kept well. We must fight for her, Some must die for her. Our England. Blood maybe shed Like a river of tears We must claim Germany And all their allies To stop the war and brutal killing Mutilated bodies Cover the battleground like a blanket of death Someone’s father, someone’s son. Victims of the enemy gun.

By Emily Jardine-Rowley, 12

Appleton Academy

They Will never grow old. One by one they fell. Rifles Love lost Devastation everywhere War SergeAnt stubby honoured with medals Respect them

War – Hamaad Javed, 11

Beckfoot School

The war is devastating. It’s a thing I can’t stop. I wonder what suffer I am creating. I wish I was with my little boy going to the shop. Will I ever die? Will I ever go? I just want to be at home eating a shepherd’s pie, Why was I chosen to be here? I think I just need to go to bed, NO I need to think about this, I just want this war to end.

The Consequence Of War – By Tegan Johnson, 14

Bradford Grammar School

Age 6, a girl should not be left without a daddy Without a father figure A pillar to lean on Age 6, a girl should not have to understand battle The mind of a soldier stuck in war True desperation Age 6, a girl should not hear daddy won’t be coming home The absence of his letters in the post Miss his laugh and his humming Age 6, a girl should not see a family torn apart Her mummy holds her daddy’s picture and sobs The consequence of war Age 13, a girl should not turn a teenager without a daddy to watch A first date, a break up Her first taste of true love Age 18, a girl should not come of age and miss her daddy all the more Because she’s changing And he never got the chance to watch Age 29, a girl should not have to walk alone down the aisle Because nobody can replace her father A space in the photographs At 35, a girl should not have to watch her mother succumb to illness And tend to her alone Until she is left an orphan The consequence of war is longer lasting than the repairs to the land razed Longer than the lives of the survivors and veterans Longer even than memory War should teach a lesson; that lives have purpose And that the purpose is not to die at the hands of another But to live in peace, and in happiness.

By Zack Jordan, 13

Eccleshill, Bradford

Do you remember the 30th November when all of the poppies grew? When back in the day he threw a grenade, and the innocent one went boom! He’d lay there in peace, no funeral with a priest, just fossilised in dense dry sand..

It was a dark dingy day, with no ground rent to pay, next to the terrible trenches and the derelict benches and the one odd house that would stay..

Then there’s the screech, that terrible alarm- the air raid shelter, no place for harm. No food supply, just a ration book no posh vegetable and gravy with a nice slice of duck?.

Trains departing left and right evacuating children for relief of fright..

People wearing gas masks wandering around, out in the open how do they cope with the sound?.

If there was a god maybe a will, then there would be no incentive to kill, just pay for a poppy and stand two minutes still then maybe there will be a god or even a will.

By George Judson, 13

Woodhouse Grove School

Crouching behind the sacks Waiting for something to happen, hearing the sudden gunshots But not knowing where they are coming from. The smell of bacon sizzling on the fire. Limping through the boggy mud. Suddenly! There is an outburst of gunshots. GAS! A man shouts. Like mice drowning in water, we all clambered our way out of the gas. Trying to fit our masks as we go. We were out! We looked back at the smoke only to see three men lying on the floor, blood gorging from their mouths. But we just carried on walking away… It’s evening and the gunshots have stopped. I am lying in my bunker dreading tomorrow Still feeling weak. A good nights sleep is what I need. But I have no hope of that here.

By Faseeha Junaid, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

World War 1 was a disgrace fighting over to take over the world, what a shame Hitler was his name who was the meanest boss of all, his image was to be the one. The way he treated Jews was brutal, for what did they do him, god gave the experience but what was his aim. After murdering himself?

By Alanah Kelly

Appleton Academy

We use poppies in memory of those who died in WW1. When took into war they tried their best and never failed when put to the test. 1st July 1914 hundreds of thousands of British soldiers went into war. They would never forget what they saw. Young and old put their life on the line to try and save our country in time. They trekked up hills, swaps through desert the lot. Sometimes it was very hot. Some were out for years on end despite not seeing their family and friends. When men died on the battlefield red blood poppies grew from the ground as fellow friends kneeled. Because of this effect we use poppies as a symbol of respect.

Why Him? – By Bradley Kendall, 11

Beckfoot School

My son, my beautiful son, out at war, I have no information, is he alive? Is he dead? I am as frightened as a kidnapped child. His gun… Bang! Bang! Bang! He is a time bomb waiting to explode tick tock, tick tock… But if he does explode I will never know, My fear takes over me, is he alive I need to know, Why? Why? Why? Do we have to be at war? Why him!?!?

By Harry Kennedy, 13

Woodhouse Grove School

Battered and bruised Soldiers limped on exhausted Their guns trailing behind them Stomachs gurgling for food. The only sound, bombs dropping Soldiers grab their guns, A man in the distance is still Shaking and screaming. Legless, armless, lifeless Just laying there With blood pumping out of his limp body! Struggling to catch his last breath! The honourable soldiers. There to protect our forever beloved souls. The brave, strong fearless men fought for their country!

My War Poem – By Zayrah Khalid, 13

Priesthorpe School

To help, to protect, to save That’s a soldier’s life To bleed, to suffer, to die That’s a soldier’s death The places, the people, the laughs That’s what they thought The rush, the challenge, the action That’s what it brought The suspense, the excitement, the nerves That’s what everyone got The loss, the tears, the funerals That was the reality The joy, the hatred, the nightmares The rifles spitting in the air No food, no shower, no soap Like the general cared For friends, for family, for people To protect them for the evil To fight, to kill, to save Before it’s too late The victory, the proudness, the honour Don’t let the people hate…

Remembrance Day Poem – By Kane Khaliq, 11

Thornton Primary School

Every year round we remember the millions of dead soldiers We wear poppies red and small, It’s been 100 years since the horrible life of World War I. We have 2 minutes silence for the brave young men, Day after day the pain and misery they had to go through, as Quick as a flash they got shot down over the top. Shooting bullets for hours on end, we all show respect and Remember World War I

English Soldiers At War – By Falaq Khan, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

They stood straight, Fighting their leaders way, To defeat the Germans, They crushed their bones, They hurt their souls, Fighting for their country together, No matter what, They fought the lot, Saving their pride and honour, The Germans lost, The English won, Teamwork kept them together!

There’s A War Going On!! – Kashaf Khan, 13

Belle Vue Girls’ School

There’s a war going on with people fighting to keep their loved ones safe. To keep everything from being destroyed. To keep precious drops of blood from being spilt.

There’s a war going on with people fighting to protect the country they were born in, the country they were raised in, the country they started a life in.

There’s a war going on with people fighting so their loved ones can sleep at night knowing there will be tomorrow.

There’s a war going on with people fighting. knowing they might not survive but still fighting for survival meanwhile knowing they might be leaving everything behind.

There’s a war going on with people fighting for land, fighting for peace, fighting for justice.

By Saira Khan, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

War has started, Poppies have began to grow, Our lives have bended. Soldiers marching in rows..

Slugging our way through muddy trenches, Bombs are falling, Gas masks keeping out all the dirty stenches. People are calling..

The war is dead, Poppies everywhere, Finally in my bed. Our lives are very rare.

By Samera Khan, 13

Belle Vue Girls’ School

The winds howl in the dead of the night Every single second is a fight Nobody knows who exactly will survive but the Germans think their enemies will die.

In the midst of the cool air Screams pierce the day Bodies drop down dead With too many regrets to count in their head.

Rest in peace And finally achieve your own bliss Rest in peace And finally be at ease

By Zara Khan, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

Men setting off in their bright, shining armour Just enough to protect their heads Fighting for rights, this was karma Four more years were left ahead .

Breakdowns caused stress and fear Wanting to go back home but they were far off near.

By all the glories of the day And the cool evenings tension play By that last sunset touch that lay By beauty lavishly poured astray By all days I have lived in shame O, make me a soldier, my lord

By all of mans hopes and fears Trenches filled with poisonous diseases Rats and shocking red blooded bodies In empty isolated fields filled with sadness O, make me a man O, make me a solder, lord

I, a brave solider up on this lovely hill Seen enough cries within comprehending eyes Hundreds of bodies decorated lavishly before me I, saw their flesh their bravery upon sacrifice Must say goodbye to all of this, bravery By all delights that I shall know and hear I and you may remember and miss my hero, Help me to die, o, my lord protect me This is no place for a man to retrieve O, take me lord upon millions of smiles.

By Eddie King, 12

Woodhouse Grove School

The world stopped moving The only sound heard was the ‘dripping.’ The dripping of mud, blood and sweat My nose churns, the smell is just the start The sense of agony could be seen by a naked eye My ear ringing. What could have caused it? Gunshots, bombs, gas, screams, My ears started to feel the pain so just gave up. The dripping stopped as we heard marched. Rubble from the trench plopped in the puddles Made by the dripping, marching went on. It was as if the trench turned into a freezer, Because we were all frozen. They were Germans, we had to fight them off, We couldn’t take them all. We can’t run. Bullets beamed past our heads. Ricocheting off helmets like chucked stones into the sea. We fought back but the casualties were multiplying Now it was just me and another soldier We kept shooting, there couldn’t be many left There wasn’t… Until one German got in our trench He placed his blade firmly in the other guys’ throats. The bullet from my gun flew, annoyed at the German. I tried to speak to the man but all I could see was fountains of blood coughing, growling and spitting blood The mud and blood became tears and blood- was I lucky?

Will We Fall? – By Olivia King 12

The Royal Hospital School

The breath from our chapped lips in the distance, our men at war seeking power and resistance. Would our ghosts from the past become fate? Did we leave our plan a little too late? Could we possibly survive this battle of blood? Could we walk past this land of death and mud Until we reach England’s green and grassy land, Holding our God’s peaceful and trusting hand? Of course we will some beautiful day, Or maybe, just maybe, it was meant to end this way. The guns are now far too loud! It’s time to make our country proud.

By Anna Kopciewicz, 11

Appleton Academy

Went and fought for us. Orders to attack. Remembered for ever. Loved ones that never came back. Doing courageous things. Will never grow old. All attacks on countries. Respected by everyone. 1 life only.

Hug Or War – Razuad Kouser, 11

Belle Vue Girls’ School

I will not play tug ‘o’ war. I’d rather play hug ‘o’ war. Where everyone hugs. Instead of tugs. Where everyone giggles. And rolls on the rug. Where everyone kisses. And everyone grins. And everyone cuddles. And everyone wins.

Soldiers – By Yan Lan, 11

Beckfoot School

The misty clouds wash the dead body away, The heart of field, gobble it all up. The blood drips like rain, Soldiers scream in pain..

Bang! The gun shot as loud as an aeroplane, The petrified bullet made its way. The blood dribbles from head to toe, They made enemy from friend to foe..

Brave soldiers stand on the ground Who will know when they will die?

By Raheema Latif

Belle Vue Girls’ School

Air ride shelters damp and black Bombs exploding, back to back Children crying adults saying “Down the cellar after you” Evacuees on the train Gone to live in some strange place Hoping for a friendly face! Sirens screeching, chaos calls Thunderous noises as buildings fall Underground: imaginations Violent earth reverberations Yesterday for now is gone Zeal for life and peace!

By Florence Lawson, 12

Woodhouse Grove School

The cold air settles on the bloody, Isolated in my own body, Motionless, speechless, breathless, No longer fearless;

The whispering wind strikes the meadow, The distant cannons echo, The blood red reminders of peace flutter in the breeze, And all these memories are held in deep freeze;

Frozen in time, Upon my rapid climb, Over my sea of troubles, Slowly falling into my puddle;

And still the nightmare lurks throughout me, You my friend should agree, That this battle is no game, He who enters should be ashamed.

By Fin Leighton, 14

Woodhouse Grove School

We limped on till we reached the front lines, And then we sat among the dead bodies, Of the soldiers who were defending it. Always silent. Like a cold winters night, We were just waiting, waiting for something. Anything. Suddenly the sirens went off, Louder than church bells in a grand cathedral. We saw planes over head, Like stars glittering in the moon light. We went up to the turret to try shooting them down. The turret failed on us. We were expecting the worse. We were shaking like leaves in the chilling autumn breeze. Boom! A bomb dropped! There was a sudden rush of fear that struck us to the heart. All I could hear was ringing in my ears. I saw one of my comrades on the floor. He had lost his arm. I picked him up and started running Running and I didn’t stop running. I wanted to turn back But I was corrupted with fear.

Graves Of Blood – By Cristina Lynch, 11

Beckfoot School

Likes gravestones, But red as they sway in the wind. As I visit the place I once fought in. It seems different, Almost peaceful, Yet somewhat eerie, As I tread silently through the crimson fields.

I know a man who died in this exact spot, But I feel a glimmer of hope as I see a beautiful poppy bloom at my feet. They will not be forgotten. These flowers, They’re odd, Like a final farewell from the earth.

Though it didn’t end that long ago, It feels like a lifetime since I saw my best friend perish. They never found his body. Though I have suffered, I feel almost grateful for this war, For I now know the value of life, And I know that I must not waste it with ignorance, But if I do, I know I may as well be one of those fallen soldiers, Laying in graves of blood.

Soldiers – By Shannon Lynn, 12

Appleton Academy

As I sat at the trenches, With heart in my hand. I wait, Until my death. I hear the gunshots, Bombs drop, Is this where soldiers belong, I run in fear. In the grass, I lay. Waiting for the day, When the war will pass. Family’s lives lost, But I’ve got to stay strong, Fight for our country, Staying strong. Holding my breath I go We fight Lives lost.

By Juckpiekard Lupkin, 12

Appleton Academy

The fields where poppies grow Was once a treacherous place Of war guns blazing Each poppy grows to resemble Every man lost in the field Where poppies grow..

Now where the birds Sing there used to be The droning songs of The bombs and shells Crouching holes where The poppies grow..

The fields where poppies grow Was once a treacherous place Of war and guns blazing Each poppy grows to resemble Every man lost in the field Where poppies grow.

Done Deal – By Fatima Mahmood, 14

Belle Vue Girls’ School

I guess this is it I lay my guard Blood pouring in the dirt I slowly fade away Just another soldier The general is in the barracks with his binoculars Dipping his biscuit in tea While soldiers are pacing with guns and dying

I have been through hell All for my country I want to die with honour Not forgotten The time has come to say goodbye I am late but I have arrived I was thinking about killing myself Don’t you mind?

Religion, land, power It is always about these Bodies are flying in the air I rather die than my family seeing my state The officers delivering the news I can hear their cries But it is ok I died for my country With honour I guess it was really a done deal

By Sophie Mann

Appleton Academy

For a hundred years ago the fields were pretty grim, And soldiers’ tears were nearing the brim. As they had made it to the end, It’s their homes they should now attend. Where the men died, And where most women cried, Bright poppies shall grow.

By Amirah Mansley, 12

Appleton Academy

Poppies grow long and tall, Sometimes they can be really small. They get crushed like family’s heart, When their soldier dies, Their spirit flies, Up in the sky, Through their eyes. To shed a tear, For their dear, Who will cry to sleep, To go and leap, To feel how they felt..

When the bullets shoot, Without a hoot, With all the guns, That lost our sons, To care, Which is a dare, The people who died, Without a lie, Just to save us..

Protect Others Personality Personal You.

Trust Rightly Eventually All Together

By Chloe March, 12

Appleton Academy

Dark clouds above our heads. The sky is turning red. The wounded soldiers lay dead Whilst we’re bandaging up his head. We’re fighting for our country so we can win this war. We’re sitting around the fire trying to survive, we’re running out of men as fast as you can say goodbye. Bombs and guns fire load while we’re all crowded round. We fight in no man’s land and don’t have a help in hand. It all began in 1914 and finished in 1918.

By Travis Martin, 12

Appleton Academy

During this war a vast amount of people died. Families that lost loved ones endlessly cried. The soldiers had to stay strong and bold. The youngest ever combatant just 12 years old. The conditions were exceedingly bad. Some poor children lost their dad. A world crisis that no one will forget. Transport like colossal tanks and mind blowing jets. World War One was cruel and horrific. Although my people are great and terrific.

By Trinity Martin-Buckle, 11

Beckfoot School

You wear poppies anniversaries of a terrible and tragic time. War and this is why I am writing this poem War war was at their door All these people’s lives were at risk And some survived that’s why I am HAPPY that they defended our country! I know it’s short but that’s why I am writing this poem!

Memories Of Our Boys That Went To War – By Megan Frances Mary, 11

Parkside School

The battlefields are silent now, The soldiers they stir not. The sick, the wounded and the living, No greater gift could they have given. 100 years have passed and flown, In Flanders Field the poppies have grown. Today the stories are still told, of all of those who don’t grow old.

Gone – By Luke Matthews, 14

Beckfoot School

The war left viewable wounds, But many took refuge in my mind. When I am with you they fade, But now you have left me. You have forsaken me to pain, To the lowest depths of my conscious..

Death took me from you, It may seemed that I have abandoned you, But I have only made it easier for you to live. Your life will be better, I wouldn’t have been able to provide for you, I wouldn’t have been able to protect you, I wouldn’t have been able to love you.

WW1 Poem – By Paige McGuire, 12

Appleton Academy

They went to war, Just like opening a new door. Another day of their life, Having to fight..

They had many, many battles, All vicious and mean. Not all was good, Not all was keen. .

Guns were fired, People grew tired. War was long, So, so, long!.

Through the muddy fields they go, Watching poppies grow. We mark our place for them, But if it wasn’t for them, We wouldn’t be here, To shed a tear.

Our Love will Live On – By Maisy McManus, 11

North Halifax Grammar School

You can get your soldiers and horses and leave, Just know that I will miss you but it’s for a greater need, I’ll bear it like a medal of honour, You’ll wear it shining on your armour.

We’ll find peace where the poppies grow, In Flanders field through the sun and snow.

You can get your guns and your army and leave, Just know that I will miss you but it’s for a greater need, I’ll bear it like a wounded soldier, You’ll wear it like the battle is over.

We’ll find peace where the poppies grow, In Flanders field through the hot and cold.

Even through the blood and the war, I know in my heart, Through pain and through gore, Nothing can keep us apart. Even if we die, our love will survive. When all hope is gone, our love will live on.

This poem is dedicated to my great great grandfather Alfred Hartley who died on the 9th of August 1917. He was a rifleman on the front line. He is buried at Favreuil British Cemetery, near Bapaume in Normandy. There is a picture on the back of this poem, that we took when we visited his grave on Sunday, 17th August, 2014

By Shona Mcnulty, 14

Priesthorpe School

Why did I join? England wants you I’m walking to the recruitment office Thinking its going to be fun. Echoes going through my head You’re going to love it You’re going to love it I’m sat here wondering What have I done? Why have I signed up Bombs are going off I can’t hear I’m scared What do I do? Help me please

By Sharona Milne, 12

Appleton Academy

On a field poppies grow Soldiers died in the snow Fell to their knees then to the ground In the out of bounds, Many lives ruined By a knife. Many guns on the battle field Not enough shields Soldiers died one by one From there enemy’s guns. They run and run Till the morning sun Day and night what a fright They don’t do this out of spite They do this because they want to Fight and fight and fight. When the battle ends soldiers shed a tear For the ones they lost in fear. Home at last Guns in the past Innocent men lost Only 1000 men home at last.

Gas Attack – By Jessica Milnes, 11

Eldwick Primary School

Silent but deadly, Nobody saw it coming, People around me, Drowning in air, Once loved friends, Now dead bodies, I’m lucky I found my gas mask in time.

Little Known Fact –By Bilal Mirza, 14

Calder High School

Overlooked Voiceless Largely absent Rarely acknowledged Little known facts About the world's largest army Where names like Ali Haider, Khudad Khan Are whispered Known for their bravery To acquire the highest military award for gallantry The Victory Cross I, for one Salute Warriors of the war the Great War

Centenary Woods – By Jamal Mirza, 11

Parkinson Lane School

I plant a tree One in a million To create a lasting tribute I plant in Centenary Woods A lasting emblem To the fallen

Local Memorial – Sohail Mirza, 14

Calder High School

I stand, stare At the local memorial Designed by H Scot Davis A statue to commemorate the dead A stature of 25 feet Weighing 130 tons Unveiled on 15th October 1922 At a ceremony Attended by many I look at it What's it all about? What do the red poppies mean?

The Last Breath! – Thomas Lee Mitchell, 14

Priesthorpe School

There we were shivering, freezing in the slapdash trench, It was a dark night and I felt a shudder down my spine. At that very same moment the shell’s rain came from the sky. Then flashes of yellow spectrum flying left right and center. With my gun in hand I was distraught and I fired anywhere. All was silent! Then the blanket of green fog started to emerge like dragon fire. At first I thought I was dreaming and I wanted to wake up. There like a scared, gasping and scraping from my last breath.

By Ikrah Mohammed, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

I am doing this all for Britain’s glory Never mind all those depressing worries My heart beats every second with pain But at least it’s beating yet again Mother kissing me, shedding tears “Good luck my son, my bravest dear.” I got the message to grab my gun I’m running now, this isn’t fun The gunshot triggers Subtracting figures I scream It hits me, that gigantic bullet machine In my place a poppy rose All my pain, it finally goes 11/11 Know that date? It’s never too late To commemorate We never had a space too small For those who are heroes to all…

By Georgia Momanon, 12

Appleton Academy

They Will never grow old One hundred years WaR was not pleasant Many people Lost their lives Deep trenches dug World War One There were Allied forces Red poppies

By Millie Morris, 11

Appleton Academy

The skies are grey, the fields are red, It’s the 11 month and all of the soldiers are dead. Families are crying, people are dying. Though the atmosphere may have died. Still wear your medals with pride. You did your time in the trenches with no rest on any benches. So let’s stop all the violence, and have 2 minutes of silence.

Everyone walks past him, the slight flicker of an eye, No one stops to talk to him, not since he has died, The old cracked stone soon to be changed, The hit and run has happened, he has fallen once again, As the people gather round like on that sad tragic day, The memories that once were lost, have been found again. Just him, the tree and the bench as the wind whispers his name, A few stop and stare, but others have no shame, The path curves around him like a blanket on the floor, Each brick laid carefully, each entrance opened as a door, In winter all the colours seem black brown and grey, In summer red and green, he’s remembered once again, The bench that is next to him he too has a tale, Each tear that has been shed, on that great heroic fail. The daughter who weeps wants her memories to be heard, The bench listens carefully, to every name and every word, The plaque gets read over and over the deaths are now forgiven, The daughter gets up to leave, her feelings no longer hidden, Me, I sit there and watch the people who go by, Looking for that one, slight flicker of an eye, Surrounded by the flowers, all of which are red, Here to remember, all of who are dead.

By Liam Newitt, 12

Appleton Academy

Uniform clean and pressed and free, they don’t know who’s to blame, Hitler bit her who’s to fix her. No wind no rain there’s just sun we do not know who’s the one! Is there rain or is there sun, maybe Hitler should have a sun, Someone’s in trouble when Hitler bursts the bubble, could win or could we lose the war is on let’s sing a song. It’s time to win so let’s sing..

Hitler wins choirs sing, but war strikes again we turn round a bend. Bang goes the gun, what has Hitler done turn from one and win world war two..

Hitler’s dead Hitler’s dead Injured people lay on the hospital bed.

By Charlotte Newsham, 11

Beckfoot School

Weapons for all soldiers Opportunity to take a risk Red poppies everywhere Lives are in great danger Doom for every single soldier War to end all wars A lot never returned Respect 1 huge difference

By Owen Turner Niemeyen, 11

Thornton Primary School

Terrifying noises like screaming in pain and bombs going of bigger than flats. High commander ordering soldiers what to do Endless war.

Gunshots fired as allies attack bravely Running with fear the plan never worked Everyone has nothing to live for All day every day Trenches and trenches.

Win or lose, die Ambushes of gas Red poppies everywhere

By Maryam Nisa, 13

Bradford Grammar School

He sat there on the rock, contemplating the scene, He raised his head, sweating in his soldiers greens, and he couldn't breathe, At the sight of the bodies of his fellow friends, Laying strewn on the blood-splattered grass, not able to mend, All from the same industrial city; Bradford to be precise, He thought it would be glorious, but now he must pay the price. .

He decided to take a walk around, across the French scenery, Trodding over corpses, glancing over artillery, And his heart started breaking repeatedly; like a hammer on a weak nail, Because the male residents of Toller Lane are now in a state of fail, As they are punctured balloons with bullet holes and blood-soaked clothes, They were friends-family- life; but dead now- completely unknown. .

BANG! Another gunshot- but what did it matter now? BOOM! Another bomb- so common it didn't so loud. SWOOSH! Another rocket- another dreadful dozen dead, But he couldn't give up now, “Not when we're so weak” he said. And with his rifle in one hand and bag in the other, We won the war, yet there was still more to discover. .

And now when people think of Bradford, maybe it's not the best, But what we did in that war; that'll beat the rest. Because as a Bradfordian, the rules are “You should never give up” Never give up as well as standing up, For people no matter who; brown, white or black, Now watch out everybody: Bradford's bouncing back!

By Adilah Nisar, 13

Belle Vue Girls’ School

War suddenly starts Poppies begin to grow We lay down our hearts Soldiers standing in rows.

Huddled up in front line trenches Bombs exploding above our heads Gas masks keeping out the stenches Children and parents dead.

I feel wars coming to an end We'll get some sleep tonight Our lives have begun to bend We'll keep our families tight without a fright.

Suddenly, gunfire-men rushing forwards, Like animals chasing their prey. We all grab our guns, desperate to live, For this is our last chance at day..

We look around, when they have left, At devastation and total destruction. Bodies are lying, all around, So many, dead and gone..

So we remember, the many men. Asleep where poppies now grow. Wilfred, Robert, all of the boys, We think, each day, of you.

The Fight Is Ours – By Ellie Nott, 12

Woodhouse Grove School

Inside a claustrophobic cave of fear, The air tense with fright. A group of us wait, huddled together, Knowing it soon will be night. For just across an empty plan, Are Germans- evil men, And when night comes they know they’ll gain, An advantage, then. When suddenly the silence stops… Our eyes are filled with smoke. The air is filled with cracks and pops, We cannot breath, we choke. So we run, keep running, grabbing our guns, Like children eager to play. We creep, so quietly up to the Huns, As it comes to the end of the day. Then the pain filled fight begins, Screams and cries are heard, We MUST defeat them to add to the wins, Not go home without a word! This ordeal carries on, and on for several hours, We push them back until their army quivers and it cowers. So we think to ourselves a though that is: This fight, this fight is ours.

By Olivia Oates, 12

Appleton Academy

Weapons destroy homes Over countries bombs are dropped Remembrance Day Lives at risk Died in honour.

Why did the wars breakout Armies fight for freedom Red poppies.

1914

What’s Happened? – By Katie Rebeca Oates, 11

Eldwick Primary School

10 hours ago, We faced bullets. Everywhere around me, There are people dying. I could hear shooting and explosions, A bomb came flying down..

I felt so worried, Why couldn’t it stop? So many guns were around me, Enough to last a life time. Then suddenly fell silence, Then all came flooding back!

By Joseph Ockerby, 13

Appleton Academy

The bombs came down from place to place, The world at war, the tragic waste, Soldiers fallen all around So many bodies on the ground Feel the pain feel the sorrow Who knows of what will come tomorrow. In the trenches I can hear the thunder Countless tanks blowing all to sounder. Then one day all was peaceful. Both sides united for a game of football. The war dragged on and on and on. But finally everyone sang the same song The war was won, the victory earned Lasting peace that cannot be spurned.

By Paul Omodeinde, 13

Carr Manor Community School

The day I approached the town hall, Convinced I was in for adventure, Unaware of what I was getting into, To foreign lands I would venture. To make my country and family proud, The chance to explore the world, Before Christmas bells rang aloud, Wondering what the world beholds. The time was 1915 France, It will be over by Christmas they claimed, So hurry before you miss your chance, Or you’d make your country ashamed. It was painstakingly anti-climactic, I almost wished it was overdramatic And it never felt like a war, It felt like one big chore. Threatening trenches for your death conspires, Attempted escape resulted in barbed wire, Hopelessly stranded on no man’s land, At the feet of enemies, left unmanned. The treacherous trenches infecting us all, Spreading like wildfire, making us fall, there were many deaths and bad conditions, yet we had barely used our ammunition. We were all catching hypothermia, We wish we were back in suburbia, Where we can lie on our beds, And rest our heads, We’re stuck here instead, Left to rot till we’re dead.

By Aleksander Ozog, 11

Appleton Academy

Bullets flying through the air, Soldiers lying peacefully in the trenches, Screams of the wounded, The muddy trenches, The soldiers praying to see their families again, The families mourning their dead relatives, Children frightened about what will happen to them, Now where there used to be blood now grow poppies.

Bullet – By Ravneet Panesar, 11

Keelham Primary School

I was born in a machine, Then put into a bag, Now I’m locked in a gun And I’m right at the back

They scream and they cry I wonder why Maybe it’s the gun But I cannot be sure

It’s as black as the night in here I think something is getting near. The gun’s held up high My friends are about to fly.,

BANG, BANG! I’m at the front What shall I do? I don’t want to go!

CLICK I can hear the hammer There’s an icy shiver running down my back Suddenly BANG!

I’m gliding through the air, A wave of terror rushes over me “AAARRRGGGHHH!!!!” screams the soldier As I enter the body.

I’m drenched in blood Is this how it’s going to end? One bullet two deaths Goodbye my friends.

By Hrithik Patel, 13

Woodhouse Grove School

The horrible smell rose from From the trenches. The gloomy sight. The muddy soldiers. Soldiers coming out of the trenches. Then an enemy waiting by the tree. Face to face they meet. The epic battle commences. They were the most honest and reliable soldiers. They had met and they were together. The bravest and strongest people ever In the First World War

My World War 1 Poem – By Emma Peacock, 11

Appleton Academy

Racing through the trenches was terrifying, The sound of the bombs were so loud it made my ears turn deaf, I remembered something, ‘Jaw Jaw is better than War War,’ It was them words that helped me live, I fought for my family, my friends, the whole of England. Years on we all crowd round the graves, carefully placing poppy rings on them. The nightmare from hell still haunts me today…

By Lucy Peacock, 11

Appleton Academy

My great great granddad was a soldier, He fought in World War 1. His name was Private Peacock, And he was sent to France with a gun.

He left his love at home, And promised he’d return. She wrote to him everyday, Telling him how the bombs made London burn.

It must have been scary out there all alone, And I’m sad to tell you he never did come home. He made the greatest sacrifice a man can ever make But she had peace in knowing it was all for England’s sake.

My family never got to lay him to rest, But we have joy in knowing he’s up there with the best. So goodnight god bless all you brave men, We have peace in knowing we will meet you again.

Golden Bullets – By Meredith Peart, 13

Carr Manor Community School

Miles long inches deep My body dreams of sleep My legs have cramped Eyes on fire burning I hear the firing of guns I hear bombs go BOOM! Whilst the wind whistles on every time The battle continues from sun to moon. Do you hear that? Ring ring in my ear. Make it STOP! All the bodies slowly flop. I carefully look over The field is long but ruined The golden bullets They shower us. My face screams My blood runs My eyes fall asleep Just like me.

By Bailey Petyl, 12

Appleton Academy

All you hear is a loud gun, They are all braver, They’re doing us a favour, Fighting for our freedom, We really, really need them, Especially daddy, A lot hard to pay, Fields full of poppies shining brighter than the sun, Representing those killed by a gun, I hope we all pray for them a great afterlife, For all those killed by a gun or knife, They are all crying they feel a tear, For their best mates they lost that year, There all sat in their trench, Whilst they are all drenched, They all having a quick nap, Before they have to wear their cap, And then they have to serve, Because they all have tough nerves, They are all lying about their age, Whilst they are all in rage, They want to save lives, Even if that means using guns and knives Look at all those poppies shining redder than ever, Thanks to those that fell as light as a feather.

By Max Pollard, 13

Woodhouse Grove School

Sitting there waiting for something to happen With mud permeating the air, just sitting there Waiting to hear someone shout gas or bomb it’s pretty tense. From nowhere, I hear hundreds of people running at me!! Shouting “Quick! Quick! They’re coming” I was terrified, I was shaking, I couldn’t move a muscle but I had to or I could have died, my ears were screaming That was it… couldn’t see, couldn’t hear, couldn’t even speak. Dead!

Wishes – By Caitlin Porritt, 11

Beckfoot Grammar School

If I could walk I’d be walking in the English fields, Sharing my thoughts to the rest of the world, I would sway my arms like butterfly’s wings… But I can’t do that I’m dust under a grave..

I was holding a gun hid away in a trench, Nowhere to go, nowhere to run, I cried out in horror a bomb howling down to me, I couldn’t move, I couldn’t see, I fired my gun, hoping a team mate could save me, But… it was too late the trench swallowed me..

I’m now just thinking, thinking of my family, I’d run up to them if I had some legs, but I don’t, I never will, I can imagine it, hugging them telling them I’m safe, But… I’m not I died on the year 1915.

The trench, the mud, the fuss, racing through my mind. The sound, the guns, the death repeating all the time. The war, the sirens, the panic, the bombs dropping, dropping. Through my mind..

My friends my family, my people know I will die My rivals, my enemy, my dead ones, haunt me while I sleep; The shouting, the balling, the commands get me as I fall, fall to the ground..

I know I will die so why don’t I die now, Because the war will never end and my wounds will never stop. Please, please, say bye to my friends, my family and my rivals.

Standing Tall – By Raees Qurban, 11

Beckfoot School

As I stand amongst many in this battlefield, I am proud that I am here. To fight for the freedom that we all deserve that yet inside I fear. Overhead I hear planes flying past and a crashing sound. Suddenly, a huge fire burns to the ground. Many lives lost in battle let us not forget the sacrifice. That is the price we had to pay for our freedom today.

By Alisha Qureshi

Beckfoot School

Two months ago I was happy Two months ago I saw my family Two months ago I went out with my best friend Two months ago I held my new born child..

Two weeks ago I entered the war Two weeks ago I left my family Two weeks ago I got sent to fight Two weeks ago I only had the memory of my new born child..

Two days ago I was broken Two days ago I never got my mail Two days ago I saw my best friend get shot Two days ago I remembered my new born child..

Today I am suffering.

Here I Am In World War 1 – Laibah Rana, 15,

West Bowling, Bradford

It all just seems to start My eyes are swelling up I remember when it happened Here I am in, World War 1.

They ask me where I’ve been They ask me what I’ve seen But, the only words that stumble Are the words from the unseen.

The monstrous anger of the guns Just seem to be getting louder Watching the bodies rise above the sun I am in Flanders field.

I wear a little poppy To show the others what I mean By the country that struck us As far as we dream.

The noise seems to increase The poppies have all fallen My eyes are full of tears Who made this all happen?

Where have all the poppies gone? – By Nicole Rayner, 12

Appleton Academy

Where have the poppies gone? Long time passing Where have all the poppies gone? Long time ago. Where have all the poppies gone? Girls have picked them all. When will they ever learn. Where have all the poppies gone? Long time passing. Where have all the girls gone? Long time passing. Where have all the girls gone? Taken husbands everyone. When will they ever learn?.

Where have all the young men gone? Long time passing. Where have all the young men gone? Long time ago. Where have all the young men gone? Gone for a soldier. When will they ever learn?.

Where have all the soldiers gone? Long time passing, Where have all the soldiers gone? Long time ago, Where have all the soldiers gone? Gone to the graveyard everyone. When will they ever learn?.

Where have all the graveyards gone, long time passing, Where have all the graveyards gone, long time passing, Where have all the graveyards gone, covered with flowers everyone When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?

By Alliyah Raza, 11

Appleton Academy

Not knowing which way to turn, In the middle of no man’s land, For fear had rested his hands upon everybody’s shoulders. And to retreat would never be an option now, Remembering my responsibilities, of the lives, that are now disposable. It was my duty to help them survive, and live through another day. For there was nothing I nor any other man could do to cure our ailments. But due to the daily bombardments, many of the British fighters hearing had been silenced. Can that be a blessing in disguise? A near escape from the enemy’s war song. But the slightest moments, everyone must think of the souls we have lost. So many broken hearts of families, who have been left behind. Although the memories never depart. They died serving their king and country, doing what they thought was right.

By Kelly Renton, 11

Beckfoot School

War is like hell, It’s painful and depressing, Gas masks are itchy, Hate to end up in a coffin..

Hard to trawl to the trench, Hardly no strength, Hard to survive, Helpful for the world to come alive..

Green long stalks as big as a tree, Red sickly blood spreading, Underground trenches everywhere you look, Every summer they flood.

Back To War – By Jack Rigg, 11

Roberttown Junior & Infant School

The broken soldier slowly walked away from his friend. The sun is up for a new day and he wishes he was in the grave instead of his friend. Sobbing tears he drowns his heart in them. BANG goes the rifle as the soldier goes back to action. The blood red poppies are swishing in the breeze. The grass is black as some charcoal. BOOM the cannon ball has been shot. BANG! The soldier joins his friend!

By Narjis Fatima Rizvi, 11

Belle Vue Girls’ School

World War 1 is a savage time, Where people fight and have to die..

World War 1, World War 1, will this ever end and will London ever get its peace again? It is not a fight of 2 people, it is a fight of many countries and mankind..

World War 1 destroys many peoples’ lives and hopes.

By Canice Robins

Woodhouse Grove School

The soldiers sat in the trenches deafened. By the sound of the artillery. The dirty infested rats roam the trenches. They continue strengthened by the support of fellow soldiers..

Today we remember the soldiers, the heroes. Because we wouldn’t be this country today if it wasn’t for them.

Poppies To Grow On The Field – By Darcy Robinson, 12

Tong High School

The bombs crash, Ceilings smash, People dash, All that’s left on the street is ash. People were scared, The sirens aired, Everyone hopefully stared, Hoping their men would be spared. Some hearts are not healed, From those who died with no shield, All the land could now yield, Are poppy’s to grow on the field.

Join The Game – By Millie Robinson, 13

The North Halifax Grammar School

“Join the game, join the game,” Rings in my ears like a thousand bells, As I walk away, into the game of war...

I stand there muddy, wet, blood shod, I look around, all my team, my pals, have gone, Into the land of peace, but in the most terrible manner, Shot to pieces in the earlier months, I remember their cries, their pain, as they went, They looked so happy as they went over the top, into no-man’s land, Then their faces turn and their bodies crumbled, I slumped down into the sea of red, my pals’ red, waiting to be relieved of the pain, I remember crying and screaming as I was dragged back into the trench, Then the corporal saying “We’re going back over lads, over again tomorrow.”

I sit crying, I know I am not going to make it, I will never see my family again, Never look into their eyes with such love, never, never, never, My ears ring with the sound of a thousand guns, a thousand cries, and a thousand goodbyes.

And as I stand there I think of where I could be if I had gone with my pals, And I decide to myself, “If these are the last steps I take, Down the long and twisting path of death, Then let them be my greatest, My final stand, my final fight, my final day, My chance to join my pals again, in the land of peace,”

Dulce et Decorum est pro patria mori, What a terrible lie...

Don’t forget – By Megan Robinson, 11

Shibden Head Primary School

Don’t ignore the soldiers, the fighters, The controllers, or the writers..

The poppies sway, To and fro, In Flanders fields, Where no man wanted to go..

In the trench, they hope this war ends in peace, Listening to the French, waiting for their terrible decease..

The poppies sway, To and fro, In Flanders fields, Where no man wanted to go..

Wear a poppy on this day, and remember those who saved our lives, Who fought not in a child’s way, and cheer for those who survived..

The poppies sway, To and fro, In Flanders fields, Where no man wanted to go..

Poppies, bright, colourful red, remind us of the men who fought, Don’t forget those who are dead, please don’t let them be forgot..

The poppies sway, To and fro, In Flanders fields, Where no man wanted to go.

By Brooklyn Rollin, 12

Appleton Academy

April 25th a long time ago. You went to battle at dawn. Many lost their lives. Together we will mourn more than that though we will march and remember those brave men. For they went to war and battled on. They fought for our freedom then through the dark nights and the longest days, through muddy grounds you go you march on and look behind and you see the poppies grow, We will wear one on this day, to remember your courage. So strong we want you to know that in our hearts your memory still lives on.

World War 1 – By Nathan Roseonie, 11

Birkenshaw C E Primary School

We remember the soldiers who fought Only fighting for their king and country, Rough were the trenches they had to stay in, Less hope they had throughout the war, Dull the world was around them.

Wet, wounded and terrible it was, And it never stopped. Never. Remember the soldiers who risked their life..

One hope left, my family, it was Nauseous Endless, but we battled through

By Jake Rothery, 12

Appleton Academy

In the morning the soldiers are marching, at night they are yawning. Bombs are flying over your head and waking people from their beds. The civilians are afraid while the Germans raid. And the children are dying while the mothers are crying. Each soldier is a powerful weapon and some are shell shocked from what happened. Germans are throwing gas while the English gasp. Soldiers are shooting while the others are looting. When the war shall cease this lonely unknown spot of manya pilgrimage will be the end and flowers will shine in this now barren plot and fame upon it through the years descend. But many a heart upon each simple cross, will hang the grief, the memory of its loss.

In This Old Trench – Megan Rowe, 13

All Saints Catholic College

In this old trench where we live, The sandbags hold us up I really wish I was at home Drinking from a real cup. In this old trench where we live Trench foot has our troops Yet we will battle on And stay with our group In this old trench where we live Shells fly over our heads But we will hide away In our so called beds In this old trench where we live The rifles explode Boom Boom! I’ll be back soon I hope In this old trench where we live BANG! I was gone All because of a Bomb In this old trench lay the dead The poppies grow and blow In this old trench I lay dead In this old trench

By Shannon Rowley, 12

Appleton Academy

In fields the poppies grow between the grass row by row. For they went to war and battled on through night and day. Guns were shot more than a lot taking them down one by one..

For King And Country – By Leylah Rushton, 12

Woodhouse Grove School

Will I die? Will I live? I never should have come. How can I survive this hell hole? Will I be taken by the Hun?.

I long for home For rolling green hills For just our muckabouts Will I ever see my family again? My heart is wrenched out..

“Gas!, Gas!” “Everyone out!” I frantically grab my mask. Smith does not reach his in time. He writhes in agony and gasps..

I find myself running My feet just won’t stop How could I have survived? The images are imprinted in my mind So few are still alive.

WAR 4 LIVES – By Abigail Ryan, 12

Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School

Bang, Bang, Bang! “Attack, Attack, Attack!” Cries and screams break out. World War 1 begins. Injured men retreat to the trenches and sit on the benches. Guns fire, never a quiet moment. Injured men make puns to keep spirits high. Even in death he thought of Beth. “Oh dear Beth I wish this would cease.” No man’s land has no peace. No areas are safe. Fire, Fire!

Finally Peace – By Haleemah Sadia ,12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

Brave and bold they held their heads up high, Fighting for Britain to be free, Not afraid of gunshots and attacks, Not afraid of the rain of bombs, Fighting for their families, Hearing cries wails and weeps from women children and poor soft soldiers, Carrying out weapons and armour, Fighting against wicked horror, Battles, blood, wails, and morns, BOOM BOOM BOOM three soft soldiers land harshly to the floor... THUD! Tears in their eyes and pain in their hearts, Restless bodies incomplete desertion, Nobody to be seen or to be found, Just think where are their bodies? Where did they go? Untold stories yet to be found, Mysteries to unravel, There is truth to be told, Remember the soldiers, Send a poppy to their hearts, 11th of October the end from the start, Soldiers we salute you, thank you for risking your lives, May your souls be at peace.

By Halimah Sadia, 14

Bradford Girls Grammar School

I have never known what life would be without a family For all of those soldiers who died in pain and all of those soldiers who died in vain

Away from home they had formed the strongest army to fight for this country not knowing what’s ahead keep going, is what they said

Through sleepless nights they would fight with all their might living in a trench fighting alongside the French

So let’s all pray and remember that day when friendships did mend and World War One did end.

By Hina Saghir, 13

Bradford Girls Grammar School

Many brave soldiers fought In world war one. They didn’t really have a choice And it wasn’t very fun. Lots of soldiers became deaf Because the bombs were very loud And if they were still alive They won’t be very proud. It started in 1914. By the end of it, it had seemed As if the whole generation of youth had died Which meant that very little survived. Every year we must remember This tragic world war. We sit in silence and imagine How they felt and what they saw. Huts burnt down So it wasn’t very good Because they had to sleep outside On the hardened mud. We’ll just never know What actually happened in the First World War. It’s hard to imagine As it was a very long time ago.

World War One – By Amy Shah, 11

Shirley Manor Primary Academy

Waiting for the whistle to blow. Wanting to leave the army. Wailing soldiers weeping in the trenches. Wishing for time to fly. Wondering if I will survive. War: Waiting, wanting, wailing, wishing, wondering.

He's Never To Return... – By Amina Sheeraz, 12

Belle Vue Girls' School

He was going to come back, The marriage was arranged for March He was going to come back for a holiday, in two days but now he's never to return... Our parents' had arranged a welcome back party, I still long to see him again or hear his voice, even though I know he's never to return... He was going to be here for my birthday, and the anniversary of when we first met, but I can never see that lovely smile again, because he's never to return... He was brave- he left the trench first, But there he was shot, He died a long, painful death So now he'll never return... The phone rang, I became hopeful! But it was my sister-in-law Notifying me of his death, And that he's never to return... Lost, raw, empty, I cannot do anything without remembering all those like me, who have someone, who's never to return...

The Almighty War – By Ryan Shuckyard, 13

Woodhouse Grove School

It was calm. The breeze was blowing. The soldiers were sleeping. But tomorrow – it was war. The sinky wet mud squelching in boots. The thought of the next day being your last.

Go Go Go! The general shouted to get out the trenches and charge forward. They all ran – but one fell, he had a bullet to his head. And blood was pouring as I watched him. Slowly dying.

We must remember the brave soldiers that fought this day. They fought for us. Even though they were betrayed. And lied to. But they still went on. With bravery and death clinging to their body. The haunting thought that a bullet could end their life. At any moment. Or gas pouring in their lungs. Slowly suffocating.

By Tristan Skoczek, 14

Woodhouse Grove School

Shooting after shooting! Every day and night People dying day after day The repetition of war. Bang! The person next to me got shot The general shouted down! Down! Everyone got down and picked up their weapons And then everything went quiet Suddenly, you could hear men marching The sound was getting closer and closer Then bang someone got shot So we started running away Like a mouse being chased We got to the end of the trench People getting shot And it all seemed like the end of us all.

Comrades – By Shamus Smart-Gant, 11

Liversedge, Birstall

A rifle sadly shooting The man shooting for his life The smoke makes it hard to breathe from the battlefield – where he could die like his friends A bomb hitting him mentally!.

He is swimming in his comrade’s blood Crying in a pool of sadness Happy poppies are billowing in the breeze- The sombre moon shimmered

Poppies are red, Guns are black, The army will attack, Then hear guns shoot from miles, The rage goes on, Day and night, One hundred years ago you would hear them roar, Charging in with nothing but despair, The swords go up, And soldiers fall down, The blood drips red, Then there dead.

At the dead of silence I was just sat there waiting Waiting for something to happen Bang!, there goes a bomb “Everybody back in shelters!” I looked across the green smoke There I saw someone drowning gas People had their gas masks on We were all there scared and tired All I could hear was guns firing and shouting If I manage to make it home I will tell my children it is not glorious Although I’m trying my hardest to win I will save my country.

The Forced Fighter – By Courtney Grace Ellis Stoweman, 11

Bradford Grammar School

Sent away to the trenches, the chaos and the guns. Dead and dying lay everywhere, though the war has just begun. Only some are given respirators, the rest are left to fight. And the poison gas is everywhere, especially at night. It’s for your sweetheart, they say, and the honour. To help stop Germany coming into power. Raining down everywhere are the shrapnel and the bombs. Making craters everywhere and making stone tombs. Oh, what is the world coming to? I don’t know why I’m fighting, do you? But if I refuse to fight, I’ll die. And at my funeral, nobody will cry. I don’t want to desert! But it’s not just from my physical wounds I hurt.

Soldiers – By Nathan Strauss, 13

Woodhouse Grove School

The soldiers were waiting Bathing in their own sweat They watched the odd rat scuttle by their feet The smell of dead corpses smothered the air. The solders knew this was no fair They hear charge The soldiers scrambled up the trenches they ran for the pits of hell Hearing bullets whizzing past their ears. Seeing their dead comrades fall to the cold ground They knew no fear One by one the heroes fall To become legends of the war Heroes for everyone The noble men who died on that day will be remembered every day.

Hero Of War – By Ellie Mae Sutton, 14

Beckfoot School

I kicked in the door, I yelled my commands, The children, they cried, But I got my man..

The hero of war, That’s what’ll be, And when I come home, They’ll be damn proud of me..

I’ll raise up my flag, To the graves if I must, Because it’s a flag that I love, And a flag that I trust.

World War! – By Kimberley Swaine, 11

Appleton Academy

War is sad. Over all it makes me mad. Rapidly they run. Love the people that care. Don’t laugh it’s not fun. War war war. As they fight we all know what they’re fighting for. Remember them don’t forget that they love every one of us.

By Lyriel Swaine, 11

Immanuel College

We look up to the heavens above, we send our Lord a last prayer to the grey skies ahead; But we must surge onwards. We look right, an innocent ally sends a last blood curdling scream and falls to the floor; But we must surge onwards. We look left, a man with a gaping mouth lies on the floor, his leg pouring with blood; But we must surge onwards. We look ahead, our enemies stand, shooting, running forward to death; But we must surge onwards. We march onwards to the battlefield, it is littered with bodies and blood; But we must surge onwards. We must surge onwards towards what awaits us. Be it Life, Failure, Victory or Death. But we must surge onwards.

Why – By Toby Sykes, 11

Eldwick Primary School

Why did I send my people to war? Why? Why did I sign up for the army? Why? Why did I declare war? Why? Why are we fighting and at war? Why? Why are we in a world of terror? Why? Why World War? Why? Why death? Why? Why are weak little children fighting? Why? Why are we not at peace? Why? Why are we not living a normal life? Why? Why?

WW1 – By Vincent Sykes, 11

Appleton Academy

When the red flowers blow Row after row It was such relief with the armistice signed The families of over eight million resigned To the unnamed soldiers now laid to rest in France The people of the 30 or more countries Must surely remain in a trance When Austria joined Germany everything went BANG!!!!!!! And what was to blame? Possibly the Austrian Grand Duke who was slain And all I really have to say is this It was such a relief To the end of the grief!

The fire in their eyes, Are as cold as ice. One will fall, One will rise, But many will die.

This is a silent war cry, Not of one but of a million good guys. Who were up day and night, Fighting for our rights

We are the dead. Shot years ago. We lived, felt dawn, saw the sunset glow. We loved and were loved, and now we lie in them fields, until the time we will once again rise.

Appreciate what you have because without soldiers you would not have it.

That is the story of my soldier… my hero.

The Screams The Shouts – By Zahraa Taj, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

The screams, the shouts Of men everywhere The pain, the sorrow Of gas in the air The guns, the blows Why does nobody care?.

The women, the girls Working all day and night.

The children, the kids Not aware of the fight The workers, the soldiers Waiting for some light.

The bullets, the guns As they shoot, run The shells, the blast This is no fun The blare, the boom What has the world done?.

The world, the war The blast of a gun The spoil, the wreck This is World War One

Tired Beaten Sad – Hasna Talib, 12

Kings Academy

The evacuees are going away And the soldiers are showing the way. Instead of pouring the sky with water It was full of danger as for bomb are followed within The many that are hurt by bombs are the many that are brave enough to protect their country. He defends the land of the great queen. The remembrance of those who sacrifice their life to protect others and not being selfish. Only because someone had taken the life of an important person. It was mishandled and got the life’s of innocent people around the world. This story is a moral of life to show every action has a outcome for the better or the worse.

To My Father – By Mia Tarroba, 11

Bradford Girls Grammar School

My father went to war I don't know why he should I thought that he would come Of course he never would.

In fact he never came Or even wrote a note I found out he was dead While fighting on a boat.

Sometimes I wake serene And think the war has ended Instead I'm all alone Longing for a friend.

One night when it was dark A telegram arrived My mother she was lost How hard my eyes had cried.

So many months had past So many lives had blown So many bombs had blast So many homes had flown.

But still we all fight on For freedom and for peace I pray there'll be a day When love and care increase

By India Taylor, 12

Woodhouse Grove School

In the mud, sat waiting, Expecting something to happen, It’s as quiet as a waiting room, Will it be bad or good news? My boots are mud-coated, I haven’t had them off in day. Gas, gas, I could hear the sergeant calling. There was a sudden scrabbling about, Everyone found their masks, all except one. He was running around looking for it. I could see the gas attacking his lungs He was chocking, gasping reaching for air. A few more seconds and he would be no more. Everyone wanted to help him nut no one knew how We lifting him into the wagon along with the others Who had gone the same way as him. If people say you’ll back with just a crutch, They’re lying, it’ll be a missing limb at least.

By Louis Taylor, 12

Appleton Academy

My son. He was 16, He joined the army, And now I plead, Every night I complain, ‘Oh why was it me’ For Peter, my dear son Peter, He is now on his knees, All the letters he wrote, I can still see them, Not a word of the fighting, Until it came to me, Oh dear, oh dear He won’t come back to me. World War 1 is nigh.

The Guilt – Toby Taylor 11

Thornton Primary School

I told my soldiers to charge, The men barged over the top, One by one they all fall, I watched and started to cry, I wondered what to do, Stood helpless while the, Guilt took over my body..

The shame deteriorated me down to Tears, this made me suicidal.

War 2 – By Michaela Thompson, 11

Worthinghead Primary School

When the war began All you could hear was bang, bang With the bombs dropping on the ground People screaming and shouting Bombs dropping beside or behind people Trying to escape underground Crawling and crawling somewhere safe Couldn’t hide in houses All of them were broken. Day after day Family and friends come and see their loved ones All I wish is for no war As bombs were landing on the ground All you could see was grey smoke Coming out of the ground. One day the war will end With many people dead Tear coming down people’s faces Not happiness… Sadness.

Black Hope – Zoe Tout, 11

Roberttown Junior & Infant School

Sorrowfully regretting wrongful betrayal and Sadly thinking thoughts of the past. Where chould a man chained by guilt and plagued by mistakes turn to? How could he escape the darkened world he forged for himself? The answer opened his eyes: there was none. Nothing could free him other than his comrade’s forgiveness. He was too late. His friend was gone forever, he was trapped in his own diabolical world with no way out of it. Heavy hearted, he knew hope was gone...black...

The Great War – By Ella Town, 11

Bradford Grammar Junior School

Bang bang bang go the guns, Blood on the stained stretchers, Screaming men being carried away, Boom boom boom go the shells as they explode..

‘I’ll be home for Christmas!’ they all said, For many people that never happened, It did for some, Everyone missed the men that went to fight..

On Christmas day they didn’t fight. Instead the soldiers played football, The happily played, kicking the football around, In the freezing cold snow..

A few years later the families waited, The beginning of the war was the last time many saw loved ones, Very few saw fathers, brothers and uncles again, The war was a dreadful place.

World War 1 – Olivia Townend, 11

St Lukes C E Primary School

Red and special, the poppies grow, In far away fields they blow, They remind us of all who died, Brave and lion hearted soldiers..

The trenches is where they sleep, Listening to other soldiers weep, The rats and the mice keep them awake, As they lay and shake.

Poppies – By Megan Trower, 13

Middlewich High School

Poppies, Poppies all around. I can't hear anything not even a sound. People cry as people die... People weep as people 'sleep'. It was time ago. But the pain still shows on this day, when everyone's bold... As the people who fought are freezing cold! They're under us dead in a hole, whilst we show respect and empty our sole... There is no time for our 'worries', our thoughts or even pain, we need to think about them fighting... Yes even in the rain! One went down, another got bombed. Families wept as they heard the sound... the sound of officers breaking the truth, Their loved ones had gone in a poof! We think of our heroes on this memorable day, And how they fought for their say.

WW1 – By Autumn Turnbull, 12

Appleton Academy

Banging noises fill the sky, All the people wonder why, Gun shots are firing overhead, The killing fields are coloured red..

Tanks are patrolling the town, Trying to take their enemies down, In the trenches the soldiers pray, That god will bring them a better day..

When Santa Claus comes, The soldiers put down their gun, As the snowflakes fall, They all play football..

RIP to the British that died, For us, they sacrificed their lives, We can now live happy and free, Thank you British soldiers, you inspire me.

Theatre Of Hell – By Vinay Verma, 13

Priesthorpe School

The sea of blood flows, a river of rotting bodies, I walk down fully equipped Ready to kill, ready to defeat Ready to lose myself on this ongoing theatre of hell. The ghastly noise of the bombs awake me from my sleep. I trudge through the muddy sludge Ready to kill, ready to defeat Ready to loose myself in this ongoing theatre of hell. I shoot I defeat I lose myself in this going theatre of hell

Remembrance Day/World War 1 – By Connor Wade, 14

Bradford Academy

Once a life, when unprepared Death fronted him with loaded snares He screamed and yelped ‘please someone help’ Can someone free me from this belt? He lay there till the snow did melt But no-one ever came to help Now he lay underground With peace and harmony that he found He fought the war to help us out But then he died with-out a doubt Bless his heart, Bless his soul As his body lay in the hole Dark and dingy where he lay Once a year they come to pray They lay a wreath and stand and stay For a few minutes then walk away This is what we all should do on REMEBRANCE DAY!

By Hannah Waddington, 12

Appleton Academy

Guns firing through the air Dead bodies lying everywhere There’s no time to have a blast This was has to end fast..

The battlefield will be sloppy But it’s a great place to grow their poppy Their terrible war will stop for no one Or at least until it is won.

By Leyton Williams

Appleton Academy

In 1914 they went to war To stop Germany ruling the world Innocent were being killing So the all went abroad to fight in the fields We knew we had to win To keep the world as one It took four long years But we finally won

Forever Heroes – By Louie Williams, 12

Woodhouse Grove School

In Flanders Fields brave bodies lie, “Don’t go! Don’t go!” Mothers did cry. Off to war, we had to choice! If only someone had raised their voice. As a new day begins, the bugle sounded, For all us young soldiers our hearts quickly pounded. The rifles were risen the mortars were ready, “Over the top, lads! Pray for today to be steady.” Millions dead nothing united, Will war end still not decided. ‘In memory of our long lost fathers.’

Am I The Enemy? – By Francesca Wills ,13

Ilkley Grammar School

Gunshots pierce the peace, Tanks trample the track. They came with their loaded guns, Forced us out of our homes..

They threatened me - what could I do? They shoved me down the road, I could feel the cold steel of the gun against my back. I heard the screams of my friends, My friends – innocent people like you. I wanted to save them But, they threatened me – what would you do?.

I look around me and see those I love, But to you, who are we? The enemy We are humans too, Do you hate me? I think you do..

I see you – your eyes cold as ice, You wear their uniform. You pull the trigger – you watch without a shred of remorse as I fall, The blood pours from my gaping wound, My life flashes before my eyes – I see my daughter, My body drops. You've slain an enemy, Am I the enemy?.

Will you remember my face? As the light faded from my blue eyes. Will the memory – of my scarlet blood pooling around me - haunt you? Or will you never give me a second thought? The man you murdered in cold blood.... Am I the enemy?

By Anisa Zaman, 12

Belle Vue Girls’ School

They fought for honour, They fought for pride, They did this all to save our lives. Getting ready for war, Is this really the law? Hearing all this makes me roar. Guns, bombs and swords ready, Reminds me to get my teddy..

They fought for our country, They fought for respect, After all their hearts will still connect. Britain won Germany lost, Germany will be at a very big cost.

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